AI-Augmented Business Process Management Systems: A Research Manifesto

AI should make business processes more transparent and understandable: The paper emphasizes that AI-augmented systems must be "explainable," meaning organizations and workers need to understand how AI is making decisions about their workflows—not just accept automated recommendations as black boxes.

Trustworthiness is foundational, not optional: The manifesto specifically defines ABPMSs as being "empowered by trustworthy AI technology," indicating that responsible AI implementation in business processes requires deliberate design choices around reliability and accountability from the start.

AI-enhanced processes should adapt to real-world complexity: Rather than forcing businesses into rigid automated workflows, the paper calls for systems that are "context-sensitive" and "adaptable," suggesting that responsible AI should account for the messy reality of how work actually gets done, not impose one-size-fits-all solutions.

Proactive AI can prevent problems before they occur: The vision includes systems that are "proactive," meaning AI can help anticipate issues in business processes and intervene early—potentially reducing errors, delays, and negative impacts on workers and customers before they happen.

Significant research challenges remain unsolved: The paper frames this as a "manifesto" with multiple "research challenges" still to be addressed, suggesting that responsible AI-augmented business systems are not yet fully mature and require ongoing development to meet these ethical and functional standards.