Most tech leaders unprepared for AI demands — survey
NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES — A new survey from talent and technology solutions provider Harvey Nash reveals a majority of global tech leaders feel unready to meet the demands of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report, published annually for 25 years by parent company Nash Squared, polled over 2,000 technology leaders across 86 countries between June and September 2023.
It found only 15% of respondents believe their organizations are prepared for the requirements of generative AI, while nearly 9 in 10 (88%) say stronger regulation around AI is essential.
“Despite the attention around AI, the application and adoption of AI is really in its nascent stage,” said Jason Pyle, President of Harvey Nash U.S. & Canada Market.
The report highlights AI implementation remains limited currently, with just 10% of U.S. organizations having large-scale AI operations. However, almost half (48%) are piloting small-scale AI projects.
Pyle added that in 2024, tech leaders will likely focus on developing AI guidelines, prioritizing safety and privacy, and demonstrating ROI. The survey found AI is the number one tech skills shortage in the U.S. currently.
The report also uncovered cautious tech investment plans for 2024, with 45% of U.S. leaders expecting budget increases but stagnant or reduced worker compensation.
Microsoft and Apple are aggressively ramping up AI investment, contrasting an Infosys survey showing major North American companies plan to increase generative AI spending by 67% in the near future.
“As we look ahead to 2024, we expect tech leaders to focus on a few key areas within AI: developing more guidelines around the use and application of AI, putting safety and privacy front and center, and demonstrating its ROI and metrics,” Pyle added.
Other findings of the report include:
- 48% of companies require some in-office time, with 3 days being most common.
- 27% of U.S. tech teams are women, down from 21% in leadership roles.
- 18% cite cybersecurity as a scarce skill, down from 43%.
Harvey Nash, operating across 18 countries with over 3,300 employees, provides IT recruitment, outsourcing, and executive search services globally.
