CIOs learn on the go as AI pressure mounts at firms

Logicalis has published research showing that 89% of chief information officers are learning on the go with artificial intelligence. The survey covered more than 1,000 CIOs globally, including respondents in Ireland.

The findings point to unease among technology leaders as companies push ahead with AI projects while facing operational and organisational constraints. Globally, 68% of CIOs said they were concerned about a potential AI bubble, compared with one in two CIOs in Ireland and the UK.

The study also suggests many organisations are struggling to put the basics in place for wider AI use. A lack of internal technical expertise was cited by 88% of respondents as a barrier to meeting AI ambitions, while 87% pointed to data challenges. The same proportion identified cultural issues, including resistance to change and employee risk aversion.

The research highlights how the CIO role is changing as AI becomes more closely tied to wider business priorities. Energy efficiency now factors into AI deployment decisions for 82% of respondents, suggesting sustainability is becoming part of mainstream technology management rather than a separate reporting line.

At the same time, innovation demands and compliance pressures are shaping decision-making. Almost half of CIOs, or 48%, said innovation demands were a primary factor in AI adoption decisions, while 38% cited risk management and compliance as key drivers.

Skills pressure

The survey indicates that companies are increasingly looking outside their own teams to close skills gaps. Around 32% said they were outsourcing elements of cybersecurity, while 31% were bringing in contractors and interim specialists.

Managed service providers also appear set to play a larger role. Nearly all respondents, or 94%, said they expected to use managed service partners in the coming years, and 47% said external partners would deliver core IT services in future.

That shift reflects the pressure on CIOs to balance immediate business demands with limited internal resources. AI roll-outs often require simultaneous changes to data governance, security, training and operating models, stretching technology leaders beyond traditional infrastructure and application management responsibilities.

Mairead Malone, Ireland Country Lead, Logicalis UK&I, said: "Nine out of ten CIOs admitting they are learning on the go when it comes to AI technology is a striking finding. This research highlights an industry moving faster than many organisations are equipped to handle. The challenge is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to do so in a way that is secure, responsible and delivers real results.

"What stands out is the breadth of pressure now landing on the CIO, from AI sustainability measures to skills shortages and compliance. The research established how the CIO role is rapidly evolving, balancing innovation, risk, sustainability and capability gaps simultaneously. For CIOs in Ireland and beyond, having the right partners and frameworks in place has never been more important as we advance through the AI revolution and ensure businesses are fully prepared to deliver success."

Regional view

The lower level of concern in Ireland and the UK over a possible AI bubble suggests a more measured view among respondents in those markets, although the study does not explain the difference. Even so, the fact that half of CIOs in those countries still expressed concern points to persistent uncertainty over whether current spending and expectations around AI can be sustained.

The results were based on interviews with 1,000 CIOs in organisations employing between 250 and 5,000 people. According to the research details, 99% of respondents were involved in AI implementation decisions within their organisations.

The study was carried out by Vanson Bourne as part of Logicalis's annual CIO research programme. Logicalis reported annualised revenue of USD $1.7 billion and operates across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa.

Among the clearest findings was the mix of urgency and uncertainty facing technology leaders, with 89% saying they are still learning as they deploy AI and 88% saying internal technical capability remains a constraint.