Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption poses complex, multidimensional challenges for organizations that extend beyond technical implementation.While strategic interest in AI is rising, many initiatives struggle to scale sustainably.This paper addresses the fragmented state of AI adoption research by offering a theory-driven synthesis of the key management challenges organizations face.Based on a systematic literature review and grounded in the socio-technical systems (STS) perspective, the study identifies challenges across technological, organizational, and social domains-such as data governance, organizational inertia, skill shortages, and ethical ambiguity-as mutually reinforcing.The resulting framework highlights the systemic entanglement of these barriers, underscoring the limits of isolated interventions.This study contributes to Information Systems (IS) research by conceptualizing AI adoption as a socio-technical transformation and providing an integrative typology of adoption challenges.The findings offer a foundation for future empirical research and guide strategic decision-makers in navigating the organizational complexity of AI integration.

The IT Business Partner (ITBP) role is increasingly adopted to bridge the gap between business and IT and foster strategic alignment.Even though organizations still struggle with implementing an effective collaboration between business and IT, the design of this role and the challenges it faces remain underexplored.This study is the first scientific paper to examine the ITBP.Through a case study and expert interviews, it derives eleven key tasks, with relationship management and advice at its core, and 14 required skills for effectiveness.It identifies challenges of the ITBP role, such as organizational integration, skill gaps and a lack of strategic focus.This study contributes to the field by offering a comprehensive understanding of the ITBP's design and role for business IT alignment.It provides organizations with guidance on the implementation and skill development of the ITBP role.Future research should validate findings and further explore the role's effectiveness.