A comprehensive report reveals that companies are investing more than ever in artificial intelligence, but they face a critical gap in skills, leadership, and execution.
Digital transformation driven by AI has become the new strategic imperative for businesses across all sectors. However, a new report published by Akkodis, based on a global survey by the Adecco Group of 2,000 executives in 13 countries, reveals an uncomfortable truth: confidence in AI strategies is declining, and the problem isn’t the technology but people.
Among the key findings of the “What CTOs Think” study is an 11-percentage-point drop in leadership teams’ confidence in their ability to effectively implement AI. In 2024, 69% of leaders said they were “very confident” in their AI strategy. By 2025, that number has fallen to 58%.
CTOs worried about the disconnect between vision and reality
The most concerning data point is that CTOs—chief technology officers—are among the most skeptical, with only 55% believing their leadership teams have enough fluency in AI to understand its risks and opportunities.
“Enthusiasm for AI isn’t enough. Real transformation happens when people, systems, and purpose are aligned. Technology alone doesn’t lead change; people do,” says Jo Debecker, President and CEO of Akkodis.
The gap isn’t just technical: human skills are missing
One of the most significant shifts in the report is the profile of the most in-demand skills. While in 2024, the focus was on technical skills like cybersecurity and data management, in 2025, CTOs highlight human skills as the primary gaps:
- Creativity and innovation (44%)
- Critical thinking (36%)
- Leadership (39%)
These skills now outweigh other more technical competencies, suggesting companies need not only AI experts but also leaders capable of understanding, contextualizing, and applying this technology ethically and strategically.
“AI and soft skills are two sides of the same coin. The most successful organizations invest in both: automating tasks and strengthening human judgment,” emphasizes Cristopher Kuehl, Vice President of AI and Data Science at Akkodis.
Training without a vision: a systemic design flaw
Although many organizations are investing in training programs, only 20% of CTOs report using technological tools to understand the actual relevance of their workforce’s skills. Most upskilling initiatives are designed without a thorough analysis of the starting point or future strategic objectives, resulting in superficial, generic, and ineffective training.
This lack of structural vision also explains why 42% of CTOs now see talent and internal skills shortages as the main obstacle to advancing digital transformation—double the 21% in 2024.
The crucial role of the CTO in the AI era
In this context, the report positions the CTO as more than just a system manager. They become a “strategic translator,” bridging vision and execution, technology and culture, automation and human talent.
“Adopting AI isn’t just about implementing tools; it’s about orchestrating change. That involves training, empowering, and giving meaning to technology use throughout the organization,” says Caroline Basyn, Digital and IT Director at the Adecco Group.
From “buy talent” to developing it internally
Despite the hiring surge outside the organization, the report warns about the risks of relying solely on imported talent. “Hiring can be quick, but without building internal capabilities, cohesion, alignment, and sustainability are lost,” the study notes.
According to Akkodis, the solution involves establishing what they call a “enabling layer”: integrating continuous learning into the tech stack and daily workflows so skills develop naturally and consistently.
Conclusion: transformation begins with people
The message from the report is clear: AI-driven transformation isn’t just about scaling models but about scaling people. Companies that manage to integrate the development of human and digital skills into their organizational architecture will be best positioned to lead.
As Rehlko’s CTO, Jaime Mafla, summarizes:
“We’re no longer just designing tools but creating environments where talent, technology, and strategy are aligned by design, not by chance.”
The era of artificial intelligence demands leadership with more humanity, vision, and humility to learn. Without prepared people, AI cannot transform anything.
More information and the full report can be found at tech.akkodis.com.