This article, appearing in 2026, highlights the increased importance of subject matter expertise due to the advancements in Artificial Intelligence, suggesting AI tools are becoming ubiquitous but require knowledgeable users to be effective. This implies a growing demand for professionals who can leverage AI to enhance their domain expertise, making the combination of AI proficiency and specialized knowledge a valuable asset. This shift underscores the need for AI-augmented, rather than AI-replaced, expertise.
In Education & EdTech, this necessitates a shift in curriculum to integrate AI tools into subject matter education, preparing students to leverage AI for problem-solving and critical thinking. In Legal & Professional Services, it implies that lawyers and other professionals must become proficient in using AI-powered research and analysis tools to enhance their expertise and maintain a competitive edge. This also implies an increase in specialized AI training programs for professionals.
Operational impact: Businesses need to refocus training programs on developing critical thinking skills in their employees, specifically related to their domain. AI implementation strategies should prioritize augmenting human expertise, not simply replacing it. This also changes talent acquisition, favoring candidates with strong domain knowledge.