University of Oulu´s vision for Hybrid Intelligence: Shaping Human–AI Co-Evolution
In their latest position paper, HI Oulu points out that across the globe, research on human–AI collaborations are undergoing a profound transformation. With the rapid rise of modern AI and its deep integration into everyday life, the question has shifted from how to design AI for humans to how humans and AI can learn, adapt, and evolve together.
“Without Hybrid Intelligence, the danger is that AI could shape human behaviour more than humans shape AI, and not in directions that foster human growth” the paper warns. “With HI, we strive for a future where the relationship between humans and AI is synergistic rather than antagonistic.”
This shift marks the emergence of hybrid intelligence (HI), a paradigm that envisions humans and AI as complementary partners in cognition, creativity, and decision-making, rather than simply centering AI around human needs. Yet, current approaches to HI remain fragmented and still fall short of realizing their full transformative potential. Understanding this landscape is key to defining Oulu’s unique position in shaping human–AI symbiosis.
“Across regions and disciplines, there is a growing recognition that future intelligence will not emerge from machines or humans alone but from their mutual adaptation and co-evolution”, the paper says about global trends on the topic. This line captures the paper´s central argument: intelligence of the future is envisioned as hybrid, arising from the interplay between human and AI capabilities rather than from either side in isolation.
Key Points from the position paper
A New Paradigm in AI Research: positioning AI as a partner
Moving beyond human-centred AI, Oulu’s HI programme emphasizes mutual adaptation and co-learning, positioning AI as a partner that augments human creativity, resilience, and decision-making.
Four strategic research themes ensure that research is approached in comprehensible way
1. Data and algorithm-assisted AI – advancing multimodal interpretation, behaviour and emotion analysis, and explainability.
2. Understanding humans in AI interaction – studying learning, perception, and agency in AI-rich environments.
3. The extended human mind in multi-realities – integrating augmented and virtual realities to expand cognition.
4. Enhancing sustainable effects on quality of life – applying HI to healthcare, education, and lifelong learning.
Emerging research directions: pioneering in Oulu
Oulu researchers are pioneering affective foundation models, embodied generative agents, AI-assisted learning and XR-enhanced systems that operationalize empathy, trust, and ethical responsibility in real-world contexts. The next frontier of Oulu HI research integrates cognitive modelling, human-AI collaborative learning, ecological validity, and human-centric ethical and value principles to enable co-evolving human–AI systems. We aim to develop multimodal foundation models that extend perception beyond recognition toward affective and cognitive understanding and feedback-guided joint learning for human and AI’s collaborations.
“Our vision is to ensure that technology enhances life rather than diminishes it”
Professor Sanna Järvelä, one of the lead authors and leader of Hi research programme, emphasized the human-centred mission in co-evolution:
“Hybrid Intelligence is not about replacing people with machines. It is about creating systems that learn and adapt with us, strengthening human expertise, creativity, and resilience. Our vision is to ensure that technology enhances life rather than diminishes it.”
Societal Impact of HI programme at the University of Oulu
The programme highlights applications in education, healthcare, sustainability, and lifelong learning, reinforcing Finland’s role in shaping responsible digital transformation. By combining technological innovation with data and ethical design, Oulu HI aims to ensure that AI enhances human potential while safeguarding autonomy and trustworthiness.
About the Programme
The Hybrid Intelligence initiative is funded under the Research Council of Finland and University of Oulu’s PROFI7 (352788) programme, supporting high-level, profile-building research themes in Finnish universities.
Read the position paper here.