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