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Lack Of AI Skills Slows Innovation

The most serious obstacle to digital transformation in companies is the mismatch between the skills of employees and the ever-increasing pace of innovation, concludes a global report by SoftwareOne.

Key Facts

  • Nearly two-thirds (62%) of survey respondents indicated that they do not have sufficient skills to work with artificial intelligence (AI), while at the same time, 41% of organizations are having difficulty finding qualified employees with AI experience and knowledge.
  • The lack of cloud skills has increased the workload of employees (62% of respondents) and has led to significant consequences, including burnout and increased turnover.
  • Nearly a quarter of global IT managers (23%) are considering leaving their jobs precisely because of this shortage, while at the same time, for 84% of companies, retaining IT talent is becoming a significant challenge.
  • Talent retention problems in companies are further exacerbated by team conflicts. 34% of the respondents point to the lack of skills to work with cloud technologies as a reason for tension between them and the direct manager, and 42% perceive it as a reason for conflicts in the team. One in five (22%) respondents said they did not feel comfortable asking for additional training to improve their skills.

Important Quote

“Rapid advances in AI and generative AI create exciting prospects for companies around the world, but when it comes to teams, organizations are sitting on a ticking time bomb if they don’t upskill and upskill their employees to realize AI’s potential,” says Brian Duffy, CEO of SoftwareOne.

What To Watch For

The research highlights the importance of prioritizing employees working more closely with advanced technology, which is proving key amid growing skills gaps in cloud and AI. This would significantly transform organizational dynamics, with 97% of companies planning to upskill their employees, the survey found.

“Our research shows that a large number of organizations are planning to enhance the capabilities of their IT teams to accelerate AI and cloud deployments. By putting people at the center and demonstrating the benefits of innovation for their roles in the organization, companies can build a supportive and positive environment that helps retain employees, increases productivity and makes work more meaningful.”

Tangent

The SoftwareOne Cloud Skills Report surveyed 500 senior management respondents in the UK, Benelux, North America and Australia, exploring how the cloud skills shortage is affecting IT teams and what plans are in place to address it in 2024

Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.

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