59% of IT leaders do not feel confident in ability to manage AI

A MAJORITY of IT leaders in Ireland are uncomfortable with their team’s ability to accommodate growth in the use of AI, according to research by US data centre builder Equinix.

Equinix, who operate data centres at Citywest, Kilcarbery Park, Northwest Business Park, and  Blanchardstown, revealed 59 per cent of IT leaders in Ireland do not feel confident in their company’s ability to manage AI.

Despite this, Equinix’s research for its Global Tech Trends Survey 2023, shows that 15 per cent of businesses in Ireland are planning on making cuts to their IT teams in the next 12 months.

This is in contrast to the majority (67 per cent) who will be expanding their IT teams in the next year, however IT leaders in Ireland are continuing to grapple with skills shortages.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director for Ireland, Equinix, said: “As businesses plan for the future, they must ensure that their IT departments have the budget and means to expand in line with the overall business’s expansion plans. To reduce IT teams at a time when technology and data are so central to success is likely to prove short-sighted.

“However, those who are looking to grow their IT teams are also facing challenges as demand continues to outweigh supply. The current pace of change will not wait or be sympathetic to those encountering talent shortages. IT leaders must therefore confront this head-on and ensure that if they cannot find the talent they need, they need to nurture it themselves.”

Top areas needed for IT team growth listed cloud computing, IT technicians, and AI/machine learning.

Over 70 per cent of respondents cited a shortage of IT talent as a threat with retention acknowledged as an issue by 43 per cent of IT leaders.

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