Human-AI coevolution, tacit knowledge in AI strategy, mental models for effective AI use, and more

October 27, 2025

“We should be building extended intelligence, not artificial intelligence.” — Joi Ito

We’re back! Human-AI collaboration and coevolution

Sorry for the big gap between newsletters! My trip to Dubai to keynote on Humans + AI: Infinite Potential at FuturistsXSummit had to be extended for an engagement the following week in Riyadh, and I then moved house immediately on my return, with a lot of catching up to do. That was very disruptive but highly unusual, back to regular programming now!

A key theme of my keynote in Dubai was human-AI coevolution. The reality is that humanity, human cognition, and human identity are evolving rapidly, shaped by the tools we are creating. We must be deliberate in how we frame our coevolution, otherwise we might not like who we become.

Be well!

Ross

 

📖In this issue

  • Framework: Designing Human-AI Coevolution

  • Humans + AI update: Tacit knowledge in enterprise AI playbooks, mental models in human-AI collaboration, and the reskilling imperative.

  • From Humans + AI Explorers Community: Potential of AI in HR, the human role with AI, what is AI?, Kevin Kelly on writing for AI not humans, and more

  • Humans + AI Podcast: Levels of Humans + AI in Organizations

💡Framework: Designing Human-AI Coevolution

I shared this new framework towards the end of my keynote on ‘Humans + AI = Infinite Potential’ at FuturistsXSummit in Dubai. The reality is humans and AI are coevolving. The critical question is how do we make that as positive as possible. The potential outcomes are compelling. We need to design AI systems that positively impact humanity. We need to develop our mindset and capabilities to evolve. And we need the right social systems to support this. We need to work hard on the specifics. But the right intent can get us there.

🧠🤖Humans + AI

Tacit knowledge in building an AI playbook

A Harvard Business Review article proposes a framework for selecting AI use cases based on the degree of tacit knowledge required for functions. This can impact strategy as well as where and how you choose to apply AI.

Mental models in human-AI collaboration

The quality of our mental models shapes how effective we are at collaborating with AI. Research suggests three complementary mental models and three mechanisms to gain value from human-AI collaboration.

The reskilling imperative and human-AI collaboration specialists

Leaders see both substantial overcapacity in legacy roles due to AI, and dramatic AI skills shortages. The pace of the shift in workforce capabilities required means that organizational capacities for reskilling will be fundamental to success. In this research "human-AI collaboration specialists" are specifically mentioned as being in demand.

🌐From Humans + AI Explorers Community

It has been a busy time in the Humans + AI Explorers Community.

A very interesting discussion on Kevin Kelly’s view that authors should be writing for AI, not humans, initiated by David Ing.

Mary Daly’s DisruptHR presentation on: AI: Think High. Start Small. Lead Anyway. provided a punchy positive framing on the role of AI in HR.

Dennis Draeger’s post What is Artificial Intelligence sparked a very interesting dialogue, including a range of very interesting metaphors.

The responses to our poll on This Week’s Big Question: When Systems Start to Think — What’s the Human’s Role? suggested how we can best engage with AI.

And far more!

🎙️This week’s podcast episode

Ross Dawson on Levels of Humans + AI in Organizations  

Why you should listen

A quick update on things Humans + AI plus a quick description of the 6 layers in my Levels of Humans + AI in Organizations framework, which many of my clients have been finding valuable in framing and prioritizing their AI initiatives.

Thanks for reading!

Ross Dawson and team