Congratulations to Professor Na Fu, Professor of Responsible Leadership, on her Inaugural Lecture ‘Shaping the Future of Work: People, Technology, and Responsible Leadership’, delivered to a capacity audience in the Maharry Theatre, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, on 29 April 2026.
In the lecture, Professor Fu reflected on two decades of research exploring the relationships between people, technology, and organisations. Drawing on work spanning strategic human resource management, organisational paradox, digitalisation, and responsible AI, she examined how organisations can integrate technological and human capabilities in ways that are productive, sustainable, and socially responsible.
The lecture explored insights from large-scale European research projects such as LEADS, LEADSx2030, TechConnect and WOTAM as well as collaborations across industry and policy. It highlighted Professor Fu's research on AI adoption, human-technology skill complementarity, and the future of work. Professor Fu argued that the key challenge facing organisations today is not simply technology adoption, but how technology is designed, implemented, and governed in ways that support human capability, meaningful work, and inclusive organisations.
A central theme throughout the lecture was that the future of work is not “AI versus humans,” but rather how human and technological capabilities can evolve together. Drawing on findings from international research projects, Professor Fu highlighted the importance of developing human skills such as judgement, creativity, communication, and ethical reasoning alongside advances in AI and digital technologies.
The lecture also showcased innovative work from the Trinity AI XR Hub , which uses immersive AI-enabled environments to support leadership development, communication skills, and human-centred approaches to technological transformation. Professor Fu discussed how the Hub brings together education, research, and industry engagement to support new approaches to learning and responsible AI adoption.
Looking ahead, Professor Fu positioned responsible leadership at the centre of shaping the future of work, highlighting the need for leaders who can navigate complexity, make thoughtful and ethical decisions about technology use, and ensure that technological progress contributes not only to productivity and innovation, but also to meaningful work, inclusion, and societal wellbeing.
The lecture was followed by a reception in the Trinity Business School, where Professor Na Fu celebrated the occasion with colleagues, friends and family.
Please click here to visit the Faculty of AHSS Inaugural Lectures webpage to view the brochure, photos and full lecture video of Professor Doyle’s lecture.
Image from left to right: Professor Laurent Muzellec, Head of Trinity Business School; Dr Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin; Professor Na Fu, Professor of Responsible Leadership; and Professor Carmel O’Sullivan, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.