85% of software workforce to adopt GenAI by 2026: Capgemini
PARIS, FRANCE — Generative AI (Gen AI) is poised to transform software engineering over the next two years.
Capgemini Research Institute reveals that 85% of the software workforce is expected to adopt Gen AI tools. Additionally, software professionals believe that generative AI will enhance communication with business teams, improving overall collaboration.
Currently, 46% of software engineers use generative AI tools, with nearly three-quarters acknowledging its potential beyond coding assistance. Gen AI also supports other software development lifecycle activities, such as code modernization and user experience (UX) design.
The report, titled “Turbocharging software with generative AI,” gathered insights in April 2024 from 1,098 senior executives and 1,092 software professionals, along with 20 in-depth interviews with industry leaders, partners, and startups.
GenAI boosts innovation and productivity
According to the findings, 80% of software professionals believe that Gen AI will automate simpler repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities.
Organizations already implementing Gen AI initiatives are reaping substantial benefits:
- 61% report fostering innovation as the primary advantage
- 49% note improvements in software quality
- Productivity gains range from 7% to 18% on average, with specialized tasks seeing time savings of up to 35%
Organizations plan to use the additional time freed up by Gen AI for innovative work, such as developing new software features (50%) and upskilling (47%), while only 4% of organizations intend to reduce headcount. New roles, such as generative AI developer, prompt writer, and generative AI architect, are also emerging.
GenAI enhances collaboration and job satisfaction
The report finds that 78% of software professionals are optimistic about Gen AI’s ability to enhance collaboration with business teams.
Moreover, the integration of Gen AI tools is positively impacting employee satisfaction:
- 69% of senior software professionals report higher job satisfaction
- 55% of junior professionals express increased satisfaction
Meanwhile, 63% of software professionals admit to using unauthorized Gen AI tools, raising concerns about security, legal issues, and intellectual property protection.
“Generative AI has emerged as a powerful technology to assist software engineers, rapidly gaining adoption. Its impact on coding efficiency and quality is measurable and proven, yet it holds promise for other software activities,” said Pierre-Yves Glever, Head of Global Cloud & Custom Applications at Capgemini.
“However, we must remember that the true value will emerge from a holistic software engineering approach, beyond deploying a single ‘new’ tool.”
