Artificial intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly transforming the world of business and technology. However, many organizations struggle to fully harness its power due to a significant skills gap. According to a recent survey conducted by Pluralsight, a staggering 90% of executives admit to not completely understanding the AI skills and proficiency of their teams.
While 81% of IT professionals express confidence in integrating AI into their roles, only a mere 12% have significant experience working with the technology. This lack of experience, coupled with the executives’ limited understanding of their teams’ AI skills, presents a daunting challenge for organizations.
The authors of the survey emphasize that the AI skills gap is not limited to advanced technical skills. To fully leverage AI, organizations need to benchmark AI skills across their workforce and develop a comprehensive plan for skill development. This plan should cover both basic AI literacy and hands-on experiences where employees can apply their learnings, experiment, and learn from mistakes in a safe environment.
The survey reveals that the AI skills gap poses a threat to the long-term success of AI initiatives. An overwhelming 94% of executives and IT professionals believe that these initiatives are bound to fail without employees who can effectively use AI tools.
To bridge this gap, organizations must invest in talent, training, and culture. However, only 40% of organizations currently offer formal structured AI training and instruction. A few leading organizations, such as Johnson & Johnson, have recognized the importance of AI and have taken proactive measures to address the skills gap. They are even using AI itself to boost AI skills among their employees.
Johnson & Johnson, for instance, has implemented J&J Learn, a global, AI-powered learning platform that provides courses to develop capabilities in product management, design thinking, and artificial intelligence. By prioritizing upskilling, Johnson & Johnson ensures that all employees have a clear objective for growth and skill development.
According to Jim Swanson, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Johnson & Johnson, AI skills are crucial not only for technology professionals but for everyone across the organization. Swanson believes that leaders should actively equip their employees with future-ready skills like responsible application of generative AI, leveraging intelligent automation, and simulating supply chain steps with digital twins or augmented reality.
However, the exploitation of AI tools is just a part of the equation. Swanson acknowledges that the business of technology relies on human skills such as customer-centricity, people leadership, and effective communication.
The authors of the Pluralsight survey offer several recommendations for executives to build a well-trained technical and business workforce:
1. Consider upskilling rather than outsourcing for AI capabilities: Instead of relying solely on external AI experts, organizations should invest in developing AI talent from within their existing workforce. This approach allows organizations to build the precise AI skills they need while providing valuable professional development opportunities to their teams.
2. Develop an AI training strategy before implementing AI applications: Although time constraints might tempt organizations to deploy AI technology without providing training, implementing an upskilling strategy first enables teams to start delivering value from day one.
3. Assess current AI capabilities: Organizations must have a clear understanding of their teams’ AI capabilities. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, organizations can design targeted upskilling programs to fill in the gaps and equip employees with the necessary skills to effectively leverage AI tools.
Closing the AI skills gap is crucial for organizations that wish to thrive in the era of AI. By investing in talent, training, and culture, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI and empower their employees to drive innovation and growth.
FAQ
What is the AI skills gap?
The AI skills gap refers to the disparity between the demand for AI skills and the availability of professionals who possess these skills. In other words, there is a shortage of individuals who have the necessary expertise to effectively work with and leverage AI technologies.
Why is the AI skills gap a challenge for organizations?
The AI skills gap poses a significant challenge for organizations because it hinders their ability to fully harness the potential of AI. Without employees who possess the required skills, organizations may struggle to integrate AI into their operations, resulting in missed opportunities and potentially failed AI initiatives.
How can organizations bridge the AI skills gap?
To bridge the AI skills gap, organizations can take several steps. Firstly, they can invest in talent development by providing structured AI training and instruction to their employees. Additionally, organizations can develop an upskilling strategy to ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills before implementing AI applications. Assessing current AI capabilities within the organization is also essential for identifying gaps and designing targeted upskilling programs.
Which skills are essential for success in the AI era?
In the AI era, core technology skills such as software development, cloud engineering, data management, and network operations are essential. Additionally, soft skills like customer-centricity, people leadership, and effective communication are crucial for guiding innovation and ensuring the success of AI initiatives.
Should organizations outsource AI capabilities or focus on upskilling?
While outsourcing AI capabilities might be an option, organizations are advised to prioritize upskilling their existing workforce. Developing AI talent from within not only provides organizations with the precise skills they need but also offers valuable professional development opportunities for their employees.
What is the AI skills gap?
The AI skills gap refers to the disparity between the demand for AI skills and the availability of professionals who possess these skills. In other words, there is a shortage of individuals who have the necessary expertise to effectively work with and leverage AI technologies.
Why is the AI skills gap a challenge for organizations?
The AI skills gap poses a significant challenge for organizations because it hinders their ability to fully harness the potential of AI. Without employees who possess the required skills, organizations may struggle to integrate AI into their operations, resulting in missed opportunities and potentially failed AI initiatives.
How can organizations bridge the AI skills gap?
To bridge the AI skills gap, organizations can take several steps. Firstly, they can invest in talent development by providing structured AI training and instruction to their employees. Additionally, organizations can develop an upskilling strategy to ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills before implementing AI applications. Assessing current AI capabilities within the organization is also essential for identifying gaps and designing targeted upskilling programs.
Which skills are essential for success in the AI era?
In the AI era, core technology skills such as software development, cloud engineering, data management, and network operations are essential. Additionally, soft skills like customer-centricity, people leadership, and effective communication are crucial for guiding innovation and ensuring the success of AI initiatives.
Should organizations outsource AI capabilities or focus on upskilling?
While outsourcing AI capabilities might be an option, organizations are advised to prioritize upskilling their existing workforce. Developing AI talent from within not only provides organizations with the precise skills they need but also offers valuable professional development opportunities for their employees.
For more information on AI skills and development, visit the following link: Pluralsight