Technology

Less than half of CIOs viewed as AI-savvy by CEOs, exposes Gartner survey

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 12:13AM UTC

Gartner's latest 2024 CEO survey reveals a growing skills gap in AI expertise among CIOs, with only 44% regarded as proficient by CEOs. The findings highlight urgent calls for upskilling within executive teams to meet transformative business demands.

A recent survey conducted by Gartner has highlighted a significant perceived gap in the technological competence of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) among their Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in relation to artificial intelligence (AI). Only 44% of CIOs are seen as "AI-savvy" by their CEOs, raising concerns about the effectiveness of executive teams in navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The findings stem from the Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey, which collected insights from 456 CEOs and senior executives globally from June to November 2024. The survey primarily aimed to gauge CEO perceptions regarding their executive teams' capabilities in harnessing AI for business objectives. Notably, 77% of CEOs acknowledged that AI is heralding a transformative era in business practices. Despite this recognition, many CEOs express doubts about whether their technology leaders—specifically CIOs, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and Chief Data Officers (CDOs)—possess the requisite skills to facilitate and accelerate business outcomes amid the fast-paced AI evolution.

David Furlonger, Distinguished Vice President Analyst and Gartner Fellow, remarked on these findings, stating, "We have never seen such a disproportionate gap in CEOs' impressions about technological disruption. AI is not just an incremental change from digital business; it is a step change in how business and society work." He emphasised that unless the technological expertise within the C-suite is urgently enhanced, organisations may find their competitiveness undermined and their corporate viability at risk.

The survey also indicates that CEO concerns regarding the technological knowledge of their executive teams are not newfound sentiments. In previous iterations of the Gartner CEO survey conducted in 2019-2020, CEOs indicated that their teams lacked adequate technological expertise for the digital age. The current results reveal that this gap is widening as AI takes on a transformative role in business operations.

Among the barriers highlighted by CEOs that impede effective AI deployment are difficulties in hiring sufficient skilled personnel and challenges in assessing the value and outcomes of AI initiatives. These factors are viewed as the primary obstacles obstructing the advancement and application of AI in various business contexts.

Jennifer Carter, Principal Analyst at Gartner, elaborated on the shifting perspective of CEOs towards AI. She stated, "CEOs have shifted their view of AI from just a tool to a transformative way of working. This change has highlighted the importance of upskilling." As leaders increasingly recognise AI's potential and its impact on their organisations, they are beginning to understand that success in this domain involves not only hiring new talent but also effectively equipping existing employees with the skills to integrate AI into their daily responsibilities.

This focus on upskilling is aligned with broader strategic initiatives as organisations strive to adapt and thrive amidst ongoing changes within the business landscape. The survey revealed that 66% of CEOs believe their current business models are not adequately prepared for AI implementation, emphasising the need for enhanced understanding and capability in AI across all critical organisational priorities.

Furthermore, the study suggests that executives at all levels, not just those in technology roles, must undergo greater education and training in AI competencies. This is particularly crucial as CEO expectations increase and the integration of AI into overarching business strategies becomes more pronounced.

The implications of these findings are anticipated to inform business leaders, human resources departments, and executive teams regarding the vital importance of AI proficiency and adaptability within their organisations—especially in terms of technology adoption and implementation leadership.

These insights form part of the broader Gartner research programme titled "2025 CEO Survey — The Year of Dynamic Capacity," which examines how senior executives are addressing various challenges and opportunities that arise amidst technological and societal shifts.

Source: Noah Wire Services

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https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-07-09-gartner-survey-reveals-cfos-and-ceos-identify-ai-as-the-technolog-with-the-greatest-impact-in-the-next-three-years - This survey reveals that 62% of CFOs and 58% of CEOs believe AI will have the most significant impact on their industries in the next three years, highlighting the widespread recognition of AI's transformative potential among top executives.
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Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative references recent survey data from June to November 2024, part of the Gartner '2025 CEO Survey'. No indications of outdated data or recycled news. The inclusion of survey results and expert commentary confirms high freshness.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: Direct quotes from David Furlonger and Jennifer Carter were found in this narrative and attributed as Gartner analysts. No earlier origin for these exact quotes was found online; they appear original. Full transcripts may require Gartner access, but public coverage of these quotes is limited, indicating originality.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative draws on a Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey, with expert commentary from Gartner analysts. Gartner is a globally recognised and reputable business research organisation. The narrative is consistent with Gartner’s research standards and reporting.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims align with current industry trends concerning AI adoption and skills gaps, as widely reported in reputable business media. The survey methodology, scope, and findings are consistent with previous Gartner studies and plausible given the rapid evolution of AI in business. No evidence contradicts the claims.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative accurately reflects recent, reputable Gartner research and original expert commentary. Claims are plausible and supported by current industry trends. No signs of outdated or misleading information.

Artificial Intelligence
CIOs
C-suite skills
Gartner survey
Business technology