Top 6 Project Management Trends to Watch in 2025

A fast-paced market, shrinking budgets and increasing shareholder scrutiny are just a few of the factors putting pressure on today’s project managers. Projects are becoming increasingly complex due to the increasing integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, increased regulatory requirements, and the need to adapt in an unstable economy.

Project managers must keep an eye on what’s coming to the industry so they’re ready to take advantage of new processes or avoid pitfalls. TechRepublic spoke with industry experts to find out the trends to watch in 2025.

Trend 1: The increase in hybrid project teams

Alan Zucker, founder of consulting firm Project Management Essentials

“I think interest in hybrid project management will continue to grow through 2025. agile It’s in decline, and many agile experts say it’s dead. Hybrid projects combine elements of one or more project methodologies. For decades, project managers have pragmatically blended processes and practices based on context and specific project needs.

Hybrid allows project managers to move from a binary waterfall agile world to a world where practice models include Lean, Kanban and DevOps. Successful project managers must make intentional choices when deciding how to execute a project.

SEE: Explore key features and benefits Hybrid project management.

Trend 2: Class-based teams reduce bureaucracy

Jack Skeels, CEO of training company AgencyAgile

“The shift to squad-based teams reflects growing dissatisfaction with the squad. traditional method and the perception that agile implementations are inefficient. Leaders and stakeholders are tired of overly complex management structures and expensive project management software tools that fail to deliver meaningful results.

Instead, leaders are embracing a simpler, more effective model: small, self-managed teams—often 5 to 15 people. These small teams get things done quickly through collaboration and innovation, embodying the original spirit of Agile.

This model encourages a culture of innovation, collaboration, and responsiveness to change—key characteristics for businesses competing in fast-paced markets.

Trend 3: The move to decentralized project management

Molly Beran, founder of project management consultancy Projects By Molly

“I expect many organizations will rethink their approach to creating centralized project management offices. PMOs have been all the rage over the past few years—companies rush to build them, establish templates and processes, and then typically start to see them slowly die out.

Why? Of course, there are many reasons, but one of the most common ones I’ve found is that while people are enthusiastic about using standalone tools and processes, there are rarely enough project management technicians to actually use these tools and get the work done.

Additionally, in the rush to open an office, companies often lose sight of their larger strategic or organizational priorities. In a sense, they were so focused on creating a centralized PMO that they forgot why it existed in the first place—to get the work done that best aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities.

I predict that by 2025 and beyond, companies will begin to move away from centralized PMOs and toward more decentralized project management, where each department or area has experts who understand the core business processes and are asked to manage projects.

SEE: Read TechRepublic’s guide Top Project Management Certification.

Trend 4: Pay attention to the artificial intelligence literacy of project managers

Cornelius Fichtner, President of Project Management PrepCast and host of the Project Management Podcast

“Project managers should have a ‘rude awakening’ as they realize the limitations of current generative AI interactions. The difference between a successful project and a floundering one depends largely on the capabilities of the project manager Depth of understanding of artificial intelligence.

Many project managers forget that they will not only be required to use AI on projects, but will also be asked to lead projects designed to bring AI capabilities to various parts of the company. They need to have a really broad and solid understanding of what AI is and what it can do in order to serve stakeholders in marketing and finance departments as those departments are augmented by AI.

look: The 9 Best Artificial Intelligence Project Management Tools of 2024

Trend 5: Accelerating career training through artificial intelligence

Justin Tan, Head of IT Project Management Office, Thermo Fisher Scientific

“Imagine an artificial intelligence system that can instantly generate comprehensive project plans based on context and conditions, more accurately predict potential risks, optimize resource allocation, and provide contextual decision support that has historically required years of professional experience.

Junior professionals without extensive traditional experience will leverage such AI-driven platforms to gain access to institutional knowledge and best practices, effectively compressing years of learning into actionable recommendations to accelerate learning and project execution capabilities.

Based on my experience playing a key role in leading digital transformation initiatives, the most successful organizations will be those that strategically integrate artificial intelligence, not as a replacement for human intelligence, but as a collaborative tool to amplify human potential.

See: Read more Artificial intelligence coverage From TechnoRepublic.

Trend 6: The growing importance of resource management software

Michele Badie, Professional Development Strategist, Skills Recharged

“We will continue to have skills-focused resource management discussions and action plans that connect the right skills to the right tasks while ensuring teams thrive and stay on task. Just-in-time tools – e.g. Resource planning softwareAI-driven allocation, employee well-being, and collaboration and communication tools – will support the seamless allocation of resources.

At the same time, case managers, as an integral part of the process, focus on balancing the workload, prioritizing mental health and job satisfaction. In 2025, there will continue to be an increased focus on not just getting the job done, but ensuring employees avoid decision fatigue or burnout and are successful in their roles.

look: TechRepublic Premium’s Mental Health Policy.

Will project managers be replaced by artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is unlikely to completely replace case managers, but it is reshaping their role. Research shows that while AI can automate management tasks such as scheduling, data collection and reporting, it severely lacks the other human elements needed for effective project management.

These human factors include make a decision and Empathywhich helps motivate teams and resolve conflicts—two things that project managers do almost every day.

Professor Adam Boddison, CEO of the Project Management Association, told TechRepublic in an email: “Hybrid work environments require stronger digital communication and leadership skills, and resilience and diversity measures are becoming an integral part of organizational strategies. In fact, Project management is future state planning.

“APM research shows that more than 50% of businesses expect the number of projects they will undertake to increase over the next three years, making the importance of project expertise clear. The role of skilled project professionals will be critical across all industries.

It is predicted 25 million new project professionals will be needed by 2030 to meet industry needs. Check out TechRepublic’s guide How to become a project manager Find out if this role is right for you.