What drives performance in the age of AI? During a recent visit to Renmin University of China, Na Fu brought this question to the forefront sparking thoughtful conversations with HR leaders, academics, and industry experts.

The discussions challenged the assumption that adopting advanced technologies automatically leads to better performance. Instead, participants explored a more nuanced reality: technology creates potential and people unlock it.

True impact, comes from human–technology complementarity, this means aligning digital tools with distinctly human strengths, including:

• Judgement and decision-making
• Collaboration and communication
• Empathy and ethical awareness
• Adaptability in changing environments

Digital transformation requires a deep shift in transforming how work is done, redesigning roles and responisbilities, and ensuring humans and technology enhance each other. The goal is to create systems where both elements reinforce one another.

Across sectors people shared a common perspective: HR executives, scholars, and industry partners all emphasised the importance of keeping people at the centre of technological change.

Organisations that succeed in the future won’t just be the most technologically advanced, they’ll be the ones that invest in their people alongside their systems. Technology may be evolving rapidly, but its value depends on how it’s used.