KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) — Global businesses are facing increasing challenges in achieving growth targets due to persistent shortages in technology-related skills, particularly in areas linked to artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Expereo, titled “Enterprise Horizons 2025: Technology Leaders Priorities: Achieving Digital Agility”, organisations continue to struggle in retaining or sourcing talent in networking (39 per cent), cybersecurity (40 per cent), and data/AI/automation (33 per cent).
The report highlighted that these figures remain largely unchanged from 2024, underscoring the difficulties faced by enterprises in accelerating AI adoption while balancing leadership and workforce strategies.
Expereo chief executive officer (CEO), Ben Elms in a statement said that technology leaders are under mounting pressure to manage infrastructure, drive AI strategy and address talent shortages simultaneously.
“What is encouraging is that many enterprises are responding proactively by strengthening vendor partnerships, rethinking leadership structures and investing in talent to remain competitive,” he said.
To overcome the talent gap, 45 per cent of global businesses expect to increase reliance on external vendors for networking support, while 37 per cent plan to do the same for cybersecurity.
At the same time, companies are investing in internal initiatives such as upskilling, cross-training and human skills development, including collaboration and creativity.
The study noted that enterprises are taking a dual approach – leveraging vendor expertise while building internal capabilities – to address the shortage and ensure resilience in their digital transformation journey.
The demand to unlock AI’s potential is also reshaping boardroom dynamics. Nearly one in three technology leaders (29 per cent) said their CEO is now working more closely with the chief information officer (CIO) compared to a year ago.
At the same time, 79 per cent of technology leaders reported that the focus on AI has raised their profile at board level, compared with 60 per cent in 2024.
However, despite predictions last year that a chief AI officer (CAIO) would soon assume many CIO functions, 87 per cent of businesses have yet to appoint one.
— BERNAMA
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