What human capabilities are needed as AI evolves?

We are in the midst of a shift that affects everyone working closely with entrepreneurs. AI can now scan markets, inform decisions and suggest next steps in a startup’s journey. The World Economic Forum shows that 39% of today’s skills will change or become obsolete by 2030. This begs the question: what human capabilities do we need to develop to continue making a difference and what can AI do better?

During Sweden’s Innovation Day 2026, Hanna Wiljebrand, Team Development and HR, at SISP, gave both a presentation and a workshop on the topic:

– The more AI is able to do, the more important it will be to do what we humans do alone: read the room, sense a silence, and take courage when it shakes. Participants highlighted words like listening, critical thinking, empathy and reading between the lines, and this points to something bigger: the business advisor of the future needs a strong inner compass with self-awareness, courage and patience in uncertainty, says Hanna.

What did you find out during the workshop?

– What struck me was the consensus in the room that technology should never replace our own thinking, which also reflects MIT’s research on cognitive debt. One participant put it so well: “That we should NEVER stop thinking.” I also take with me the hope, the curiosity and the realisation that we have a shared responsibility to develop both technological competence and human maturity in parallel,” says Hanna.

How is the role of business advisors actually changing with AI?

– It shifts the focus from delivering answers to helping entrepreneurs ask better questions, stay on track and make wise decisions as the pace picks up. AI is taking over parts of the analysis, but human judgement, courage and trust is what carries the entrepreneur. Especially when things don’t go as planned,” Hanna concludes.

Are you interested in knowing more or taking the issue further in any way? Please contact Hanna Wiljebrand: hanna.wiljebrand@sisp.se.

See participants’ thoughts on AI and human capabilities from the workshop in the Menti image below.