UK business leaders are outpacing their global counterparts when it comes to tech expertise, according to research from Accenture.
Increased Proficiency Among UK Leaders
A new study from the consultancy analysed the professional backgrounds of CEOs and board members across the world’s 2500 largest companies, finding more than 23% of UK business leaders are now ‘proficient’ in technology, a significant rise from 17% in 2021.
This means they have either made technology decisions, held a senior role at a tech company, or been exposed to AI, cloud, computing, data, or cybersecurity.
The UK leads in tech, with 16% of European and 22% of North American executives agreeing on its expertise.
In the FTSE, one-quarter of board executives possess technology skills, a 12% rise within three years. In the C-Suite, nearly one in five have technology experience.
The study also found that more female leaders in UK companies are helping to boost tech knowledge at the top. 40% of board members and CEOs are women, with one-third having tech expertise, nearly double that of men.
Success and Future Investment in Tech Skills
79% of senior women in tech feel successful, as per the AND Digital Rewards & Resilience report. To sustain and build success, businesses must invest in skills training for women. They should use a people and innovation approach to keep women empowered and ready for industry changes.
The rise of AI is changing C-suite roles, with 40% of recent job postings related to data. UK businesses are hiring chief data officers, with 5% of FTSE 100 firms recruiting for AI and data roles.
Sheila Flavell, COO of FDM Group said: “It’s great to see UK businesses investing in skills and training for staff, especially in fast-growing areas such as AI and data, to stand out against global counterparts. For the UK to truly be a global technology superpower, there needs to be collaboration between government, businesses and educators to emphasise high-value skills training and help bridge the gap between schools and the workplace in order to bring through the next generation of tech talent.”
