From Human Capital to Adaptive Workforce Ecosystems: Explaining Labor Resilience under AI-Driven Economic Transformation

Authors

  • Taufik Muhamad Riyadi Politeknik Manahijul Huda Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66203/econovia.01202

Keywords:

adaptive workforce ecosystem theory, adaptive capability synchronization, labor resilience; artificial intelligence, dynamic capabilities, workforce ecosystems

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming labor markets by reshaping occupational structures, competency requirements, and organizational work systems, creating persistent challenges for workforce resilience that existing theories explain only partially. Although Human Capital Theory, Dynamic Capability Theory, Employability Theory, and Digital Transformation research provide valuable insights, they remain fragmented and fail to explain how workforce resilience emerges through coordinated adaptation among multiple institutional actors. This conceptual paper addresses this gap by developing Adaptive Workforce Ecosystem Theory (AWET), a middle-range theory explaining workforce resilience in AI-driven economic transformation. Using an integrative theory-building approach, the study synthesizes perspectives from strategic management, human resource management, labor economics, and digital transformation to construct a conceptual framework centered on Adaptive Capability Synchronization (ACS) as its core generative mechanism. AWET conceptualizes workforce resilience as an emergent ecosystem capability arising from recursive interactions among organizations, workers, educational institutions, governments, and technology providers. The theory extends existing perspectives beyond individual and organizational levels, establishes a foundation for future empirical research, and offers strategic guidance for organizations and policymakers seeking to develop resilient workforce ecosystems in the age of AI.

References

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Published

06-07-2026

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): Adaptive Economic Transformation

Section

Conceptual Papers

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Copyright (c) 2026 Taufik Muhamad Riyadi (Author)

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