Key Shifts from 2024 to 2025 • Focus has moved from skills and training being a general hurdle to a specific barrier. This demonstrates a shift from a widespread concern to a well-defined business impediment which reinforces the view of a growing AI maturity within organizations where broad issues are now being put into sharper focus. • Cultural concerns have been brought to fore. While the 2024 report focused on the need for training across technical and non-technical roles, 2025 findings reveal a deeper cultural barrier. • Greater investment in specialized skills, with energy companies providing AI training to build a culture of innovation. Watch For in 2026 • Demand for highly specialized AI talent could outpace supply, driving companies to build internal academies and long-term development pathways over standalone courses. • Training will focus on overcoming the human- algorithm trust gap, emphasizing data literacy, model transparency, and AI ethics so staff can confidently validate and use AI-driven insights. • Organizations will increasingly tap into ambitious talent from the Global South, expanding global exchange programs, remote development hubs, and direct investment in emerging markets. “ Preparing for what’s next is no longer optional. Employees must build AI skills and companies must support them with the right tools and training. ” Jared Spataro CMO, AI at Work, Microsoft 31 Powering Possible 2025