Jason Pyle

- AI becomes the world’s most in-demand tech skill in shortest timeframe - Half of global technology leaders now have an AI skills shortage - Steep rise linked to 90% of tech leaders investing in AI - But over half of companies aren’t upskilling in GenAI WAYNE, NJ – May 19, 2025 – Artificial intelligence has created the world’s biggest and fastest-developing tech skills shortage in over 15 years, finds a new Nash Squared/Harvey Nash report that has been tracking the views of technology leaders since the late 1990s. The Digital Leadership Report, the largest and longest-running survey of technology leadership in the world, found that AI has jumped from the 6th most scarce technology skill to number one in just 18 months—the steepest and largest jump in any technology skills shortage recorded for over 15 years. Almost twice as many technology leaders (51%) compared to the previous report (28%) now say they are suffering an AI skills shortage, an 82% jump. In the previous years that Harvey Nash has tracked technology skills shortages globally, the next biggest reported jump was a shortage in Big Data skills, with a jump of just 38%. Even with Cyber skills, for which demand continues to grow, the increase in scarcity has been gradual—rising from 16% in 2009 to 33% this year. This rapidly developing AI skills shortage is closely linked to a significant growth in investment, with 90% of global technology leaders now reporting they are either piloting AI or investing in small- or large-scale developments. This has skyrocketed from 59% in the previous Digital Leadership Report. Despite this steep rise, over two thirds (67%) of all technology leaders report they have not received measurable ROI from piloting AI. Larger organizations, however, fare better in quantifying results: more than half (53%) of larger organizations with technology budgets exceeding $500 million report a measurable return. Although AI investment has helped create this tech skills shortage, technology leaders and their companies still are working on how to respond to the crisis, as the report found that over half of companies (52%) are not upskilling in GenAI. But it is not just a skills question: operating models will also need to change as the tech team is increasingly supplemented by AI and activities like software development are revolutionized. “AI is dominating CIOs’ agendas. Their priorities include choosing the right AI tools, gaining efficiencies, increasing productivity, and proving its ROI,” said Jason Pyle, President of Harvey Nash USA & Canada. “While organizations have nearly doubled their large-scale AI deployments, the biggest roadblock to success is hiring and developing the talent needed to support their AI plans. Companies need to be smart about how they hire and upskill their workforce to keep pace with the acceleration of AI.” AI shaping investment decisions: - Boards back AI-driven spend – Overall, as with other business functions in uncertain economic and geopolitical times, the outlook for technology budgets has dipped from the highs seen during and after the pandemic—but still, over a third (39%) of technology leaders expect their budget to rise. Investment has become more selective. Boards are most attracted to clear business cases tied to operational efficiency and AI-powered growth. AI increases headcount rather than replaces it: - AI organizations recruit more technologists – The organizations most ahead with large-scale implementations of AI are 24% more likely to be increasing their tech headcount than their peers, mostly in areas of AI and data. - AI’s impact on future hiring – Tech leaders expect one in five of their technology jobs to be fulfilled by AI in the next five years. But the Nash Squared/Harvey Nash report highlights that AI isn’t replacing people, it’s changing the kind of people leaders want to hire and their operational models. - AI equivalent to three years’ tech experience – Almost two thirds (65%) of tech leaders would choose an AI-enabled software developer with just two years’ experience over one with a five-year career but without AI skills. - Organizations that engage with Gen Z are making more progress in AI – Compared to the global average, organizations that attract, retain, and incorporate the viewpoints of Gen Z are twice as likely to be prepared for the demands of AI and one-fifth more likely to report a measurable ROI from AI. Demand up for cyber skills—but down for software engineers: - Demand for cyber security skills jumps – After a period of decline, cyber-attacks have once again increased, and the skills demand has grown in response (up 22% since the last report). - Major decline in software engineer shortages – With software development the most widely adopted use case for AI, it appears to be plugging a skills gap that has long been a challenge to recruit. Software engineer shortages dropped 26% since the last report. - Enterprise/solution architecture sees the biggest fall – The growth in agile methods—as well as the use of cloud technologies—has decentralized project delivery and reduced the need for heavyweight roles in enterprise/solution architecture. Cyber-crime jumps for the first time in five years: - Major cyber-attacks are rising again – 29% of tech leaders were subjected to a major attack in the last two years, the highest level since 2019 (32%) and breaking a downward trend in the last five years. - Threat from “foreign powers” and “insiders” rises steeply – While organized crime remains the primary cause for concern, there has been significant growth in the threats from foreign powers (40% in 2022 to 50%) and insiders (33% to 42%). DEI progresses, but gender parity flatlines: - DEI efforts remain strong despite shifting political winds – Globally, four in ten organizations have ramped up their DEI focus over the last two years, and very few tech leaders report a reduction in DEI. - Recognizing neurodiversity – Around one-fifth of a tech team could be considered neurodivergent, and nearly half of leaders (47%) have practices in place to support neurodivergent talent. - Progress on gender is stuck – Just 23% of tech teams are women—the same as two years ago. Women in leadership have dropped from 14% to 13% since the last report. AI-focused organizations have increased tech leader pay: - Pay rises – Over half of tech leaders have had a salary rise in the last year, but for four in ten, pay has remained static. - Tech leaders that have had a pay rise of 10% or more are distinct – Firstly, their CEO is significantly more focused on technology making money instead of saving it for the organization (73% compared to the 66% global average.) They are also more likely to have a large-scale implementation of AI (27% versus 19%) and more likely to increase tech headcount (50% versus 41%). About the Report In its 26th year of publication, the 2025 Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report is the world’s largest and longest-running survey of senior technology decision makers. Launched in 1998 and previously called the Harvey Nash CIO Survey, it has been an influential and respected indicator of major trends in technology and digital for over two decades. This year the survey of 2,015 technology/digital leaders globally took place between December 13, 2024, and March 26, 2025, across 62 countries. This period captures the impact of major geopolitical changes that occurred following the change of Administration in the US. To request a full copy of the results, please visit http://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025. About Harvey Nash Harvey Nash are masters of technology recruitment. We help organizations find the very best specialist talent – from Cloud Services to Data and Analytics, DevOps to Cybersecurity, Engineering and App Development through to AI, business transformation and technology leadership. With over 35 years’ experience and global reach, we have an unparalleled knowledge and capability in all areas of technology. We are part of Nash Squared - the leading global provider of talent and technology solutions, equipped with a unique network that realizes the potential of where technology and talent meet. www.harveynash.com Follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvey-nash/ Media Contact:Ann Warren awarren@meetclearedge.com 770.328.8384

Big data drives key decisions across industries. Talent shortage exists in critical big data skills. IT recruitment agencies streamline big data talent acquisition. Outsourcing big data staffing maximizes benefits. In the era of digital transformation, one of the most valuable assets a business can harness is data. From optimizing supply chains to predicting consumer behavior, data-driven insights are reshaping entire industries worldwide. At the heart of this revolution lies big data—a series of vast and complex datasets that can only be interpreted and utilized effectively with specialized skill sets. As companies scramble to stay ahead in a data-centric world, the demand for big data specialists is soaring. Read on to unpack the nuances of outsourcing big data staffing in this shifting landscape. Why Big Data Matters Big data is the foundation of informed decision-making. With the right analysis tools and recruitment of big data specialists through agencies, businesses can uncover trends, forecast market changes, and personalize customer experiences like never before. The importance of big data spans multiple sectors. Retail From predicting purchasing patterns to efficiently managing inventory, retailers use data in myriads of ways. Big data helps retailers optimize pricing strategies and improve supply chain efficiency. This also allows them to enhance customer engagement through personalized marketing based on data patterns. Healthcare A focus on big data, and dedicated recruitment through agencies has helped healthcare providers enhance patient care through predictive analytics and devise tailored treatments. Strategic data analytics are also crucial in identifying disease outbreaks and improving diagnostic accuracy. Finance Financial institutions have begun relying on big data for credit scoring, algorithmic trading, and detection of fraud. Identifying and assessing risks is also possible with real-time data analysis. Technology Tech companies can use data to refine product features, improve user experiences, and manage cybersecurity threats. Data also helps drive innovation by analyzing system performance. Agencies with expertise in recruiting big data professionals are the key to hiring the right talent for your business. Through big data staffing, you can unlock the ability to harness big data effectively, leading to smarter business strategies, greater efficiency, and more innovative solutions. Find IT Talent The Talent Shortage in Big Data Despite the clear importance of big data and high recruitment demands for skilled professionals—data scientists with expertise in big data tools and methodologies are in short supply. The skills gap includes: Business Acumen Data specialists must effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders and align their insights with business goals. This requires an understanding of how data translates to actionable business strategies. Technical Proficiency Data professionals must also be well-versed in tools such as Tableau and Power BI that make data visualization more comprehensive. This also involves a mastery of programming languages like Python, R, and SQL. Tool Expertise Honing a familiarity with Hadoop, Spark, and other cloud-based data platforms is sought after in big data recruitment and training drives. There’s an increased demand for proficiency in cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure as well. Analytical Thinking Possessing a strong grasp of statistical methods, data modeling, and machine learning is also considered essential. Recruitment agencies seeking big data professionals prioritize the ability of data strategists to derive meaningful insights from large and complex datasets. This skills gap poses a significant challenge for companies looking to build data-driven teams, making strategic recruitment more important than ever. Discover Exceptional Tech Talent Big Data Staffing Through Specialized Recruitment Agencies There is no denying the competitive landscape surrounding recruitment and the importance of big data specialists in tech roles. Working with recruitment agencies for big data hiring offers several benefits: Access to a Wider Talent PoolBig data staffing specialization offers access to established networks of qualified data analysts working with big data and a recruitment pool of pre-vetted candidates ready for placement. Industry ExpertiseIT recruiters have insight into the evolving tech job market. They understand candidate expectations and the nuances of big data roles. Streamlined Hiring ProcessesAgencies make the recruitment process efficient by managing initial screenings, technical assessments, and interview coordination. Faster TurnaroundWorking with an agency reduces time-to-hire without compromising on quality and ensures speedy placements that minimize disruptions in data-driven projects. Working with specialized recruitment agencies for big data roles not only saves businesses time but also ensures companies gain access to highly qualified professionals who can drive their data initiatives forward. Get Started

In today’s highly competitive job market, attracting top-tier tech talent requires more than just offering a competitive salary or an impressive list of benefits. While candidates have always worked hard to craft a strong personal brand, companies must now do the same. Skilled IT professionals have choices, and they want to work for organizations that align with their values, aspirations, and career goals. This is where employer branding plays a pivotal role in recruitment for IT jobs, allowing your business to attract specialized tech talent in alignment with your company values and goals What is Employer Branding? Your employer brand is an amalgamation of your reputation and perception as an employer. It encompasses everything from leadership style and workplace culture, to growth opportunities and work-life balance. Essentially, it answers the question: Why should IT professionals want to work here? A strong employer brand showcases the company as a desirable place to work. Harvey Nash helps leverage employer brands, making it easier for companies to attract and retain top talent in the IT industry, where demand for skilled professionals often exceeds supply. Importance of Employer Branding During Recruitment for IT Jobs Attract Top IT Talent A high demand for IT professionals comes with the luxury of choosing from multiple job offers. Establishing a well-defined employer brand helps your business stand out from the rest, making it more appealing to top candidates. Companies with a strong reputation for innovation, inclusivity, and employee development naturally draw greater interest from high-caliber professionals. Reduce Time-to-Hire A positive employer brand creates a pipeline of engaged candidates who are already interested in working for the company. When job openings arise, engaged candidates are likely to apply quickly, reducing the time and effort expended to fill positions. Enhancing Employee Retention IT professionals seek out workplaces where employee recognition is prioritized, and where they feel valued, challenged, and supported. When a company’s employer branding aligns with the actual employee experience, it fosters loyalty and reduces turnover, ultimately reducing costs associated with frequent hiring and training exercises. Strengthening Workplace Culture Employer branding isn’t just about attracting talent with an updated resume—it’s about creating an environment where employees want to stay and grow. A company known for fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning will naturally build a culture that retains and empowers its workforce. Improving Candidate Experience Poor recruitment processes can damage a company’s reputation among prospective candidates. Strong employer branding includes a positive and transparent hiring experience, ensuring that even unsuccessful candidates leave with a good impression. Leverage Your Employer Brand With Harvey Nash Here are a few ways we help you leverage your employer brand to boost company recognition during recruitment for IT jobs. Showcasing Company CultureHighlighting team dynamics, career development programs, and employee success stories on social media and career pages goes a long way in showcasing company culture. Investing in Employee ExperienceYour company’s support for professional growth and work-life balance, and an inclusive workplace can be showcased. Engage in Thought LeadershipWe help you participate in industry events, publish blogs, and contribute to open-source projects to establish credibility. Optimize the Hiring ProcessOur team ensures clear descriptions for jobs, efficient communication with employees, and respectful candidate interactions. Begin your employer branding journey with Harvey Nash to boost recruitment and attract top tech talent. Support The Growth Of Your Business

There's no denying that AI has quickly become an unstoppable force driving innovation, from analyzing big data to creating art and curating playlists, to maybe one day making our morning coffee. But there’s a less glamorous side to the AI tech revolution that’s become a growing concern we can’t ignore: its massive energy appetite. It is this energy crisis that is explored in the film "Data's Untold Story: The AI Energy Crisis" from Tech Flix. As AI capabilities and data centers grow, the demand for computational power is skyrocketing at the cost of our environment. While we race toward an AI-powered future, the AI energy crisis raises one urgent question: can we balance technological advancements in artificial intelligence and sustainability, or are we coding our way into an ecological disaster? Data Hoarding and Its Implications You’ve heard of single-use plastic. The same principle applies to single-use data—a very real, and very dangerous digital commodity that’s become a crucial cause of the widening chasm between technology and sustainability. Single-use data is the cause of massive amounts of AI power usage and emissions. Moreover, storing this data comes at an even higher cost for the environment. This has spurred a growing need for data to be managed rather than accumulated, with sustainability and artificial intelligence going hand-in-hand. The Role of Data Centers In contrast to traditional cloud storage mechanisms, AI-driven data infrastructure is more energy-intensive with greater demands for power. This raises concerns about sustainability and advancements in technology which have become parallel lines competing to place first. The higher energy consumption combined with the massive emissions caused by data hoarding makes data centers a big contributor to the ongoing energy crisis. The Tech Flix film “Data's Untold Story: The AI Energy Crisis" addresses this phenomenon of increased AI power usage, urging leaders to take responsibility for redressing these globally pertinent problems rather than focusing on innovation alone. The Next Move: Policymakers and Tech Leaders Balancing progress in technology and fostering sustainability is a mission that now falls to digital and tech leaders of the world. The film highlights the need to shift from mere promises to actionable strategies with real-world implementation. Simply setting bold goals is not enough without clear plans for how to get there. Rather than setting distant objectives, it’s important for leadership to follow measurable strategies, starting now. Sustainable Tech for The Future As we increasingly rely on AI for human tasks, the balance between sustainability and technology is being scrutinized more closely than ever. Customers and companies are prioritizing the adoption of green policies with the formation of actionable plans for sustainability are turning into prerequisites. Tech leaders must recognize that working toward carbon-neutral AI is crucial. There’s also a pressing need for regulations on energy usage and an assessment of environmental impact in any future AI development. Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability The journey towards greener AI invokes questions of balance between technology and sustainability. Through the development of more efficient algorithms requiring less computational energy and AI power usage, a shift can be made towards more sustainable practices. Tech leaders can also explore shifting to renewable energy sources for data centers while encouraging innovations like model compression and distillation to reduce energy usage overall. Doubtless, this film by Tech Flix raises important questions about sustainability in tech and AI with a bearing on the future of our environment. Get Tech News & Insights