Global businesses are encountering significant obstacles to their growth objectives due to ongoing skills shortages in essential technology fields. As AI integrates more profoundly into business strategies, organizations are facing difficulties in recruiting or retaining talent in networking (39%), cybersecurity (40%), and data/AI/automation (33%). These insights are drawn from an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Expereo, titled Enterprise Horizons 2025: Technology Leaders Priorities: Achieving Digital Agility.
The report indicates that these persistent shortages are hindering AI adoption and altering leadership and workforce approaches in enterprises. Networking talent gaps remain at 39%, while challenges in data, AI, and automation hold steady at 33% from the previous year. To mitigate these issues, companies are turning to external vendors, with 45% anticipating greater dependence for networking skills and 37% for cybersecurity. Internally, investments in upskilling, cross-training, and developing soft skills like collaboration and creativity are gaining traction. External partners play a crucial role in providing scalable expertise to address global enterprise needs.
The imperative to leverage AI's benefits is transforming interactions between technology leaders and the C-suite. Nearly one in three technology leaders (29%) observe increased collaboration between their CEO and CIO compared to a year ago, fueled by the need for AI-driven changes. Additionally, 79% of global technology leaders indicate that AI emphasis has raised their visibility at the board level, a marked rise from 60% in 2024. Despite 40% of tech leaders in 2024 forecasting a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) assuming many CIO duties within two years, 87% of global businesses have yet to appoint a CAIO.
Ben Elms, CEO of Expereo, commented: “Technology leaders are being asked to do more than ever, including driving AI strategy and managing infrastructure – all while navigating critical skills gaps. What’s encouraging is that many enterprises are responding proactively: strengthening vendor partnerships, rethinking leadership structures and investing in talent to stay ahead. To meet their growth ambitions and fully realise the potential of AI, businesses must continue to empower their technology leaders with the resources and support they need to succeed.”
These developments highlight the need for strategic adaptations in talent management and leadership to capitalize on AI opportunities amid persistent skills challenges.
Expereo is a world-leading Managed Network as a Service provider that connects people, places, and things anywhere. Solutions include Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 60% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, with the ability to connect to any location worldwide, working with over 2,300 partners to help customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility, and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.