Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 51 | Page 29

INFOGRAPHIC will often identify vulnerabilities that require attention. Skills/IT talent shortage The IT industry is facing a talent gap and according to a Cisco survey of the 600 IT and business decision makers, 93% believe it is so serious that it is slowing their business’ transformation. Most in demand are data science and AI roles, but to meet their needs IT must shift from ‘orders takers’ to strategic business partners. The day-to-day roles of IT workers will move towards solving business problems with technology and away from configuring devices. The biggest hiring priority for IT and business executives in the coming years will be for employees with technical and business skills. n www.intelligentcio.com Osama Al-Zoubi, Cisco CTO for Middle East and Africa INTELLIGENTCIO 29