The technology landscape is rapidly evolving, and companies are struggling to keep up with the demand for skilled technology talent. According to a recent report from Robert Half, 74% of technology leaders with hiring plans are recruiting to support company growth, yet 87% report difficulty finding skilled candidates. This shortage is not only affecting the ability of companies to meet their strategic goals but also hindering their ability to modernize their operations.
Top Priorities of Technology Leaders
The report highlights the following top priorities for technology leaders in 2025:
*
- Security of IT systems and information
- AI, machine learning and automation
- AI governance
- Technology modernization
- Cloud initiatives
These priorities are not only critical to the success of technology leaders but also essential for companies to drive innovation, improve productivity, and maintain competitiveness in the market.
Technical Debt and Skills Gap Present Ongoing Challenges
The report also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by technology leaders, including technical debt—the need to modernize technology systems and operations—and skills gaps within their teams. According to the report, 55% of tech leaders cite technical debt as a major barrier to achieving their strategic priorities in 2025. This issue requires specialized skills in areas such as AI development, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity.
Addressing Technical Debt and Skills Gap
Addressing technical debt and skills gaps requires a strategic plan that includes not only hiring the right talent but also developing internal teams to maintain momentum on key initiatives. According to Ryan Sutton, executive director at Robert Half, “Organizations require specialized technical expertise to meet business priorities, modernize IT operations, and drive innovation.”
Key Skills and Expertise in Demand
The report highlights the following key skills and expertise in demand:
- AI development and machine learning
- Cloud architecture and deployment
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- ERP module experience
- IT operations and support
These skills and expertise are essential for companies to drive innovation, improve productivity, and maintain competitiveness in the market.
Enterprise Resource Planning and Digital Transformation
The report also highlights the critical role of enterprise systems like ERP in digital transformation and IT modernization. According to the report, 75% of tech leaders expect this demand to grow in 2025. However, 92% report challenges hiring for ERP-related roles.
Challenges in Hiring for ERP-Related Roles
The top obstacles in hiring for ERP-related roles include:
- Finding candidates with ERP module experience
- Meeting candidates’ salary expectations
- Assessing candidates’ skills
These challenges highlight the ongoing difficulties faced by technology leaders in finding skilled professionals with the necessary expertise and skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shortage of skilled technology talent is a significant challenge for companies in 2025. Addressing technical debt and skills gaps requires specialized skills and expertise in areas such as AI development, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity. Technology leaders must develop a strategic plan to hire the right talent and develop internal teams to maintain momentum on key initiatives. The report highlights the critical role of enterprise systems like ERP in digital transformation and IT modernization, and the ongoing challenges faced by technology leaders in hiring for ERP-related roles.