Addressing the AI Talent Gap: Five Key Takeaways from Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics Research with Precisely
Organizations are racing to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, and while investment in technology is moving fast, there’s a talent gap holding companies back.
Drexel LeBow’s Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics continued its research partnership with global data integrity leader Precisely, producing the fourth State of Data Integrity and AI Readiness study.
Led by Murugan Anandarajan, PhD, vice dean and professor of MIS, this year’s study surveyed 505 data and analytics professionals across various sectors, including information technology, financial services, manufacturing and healthcare, representing small, midsize and large companies.
Leaders in the field consistently identified the need for talent that understands the ins-and-outs of AI and how to apply it for business solutions.
“This research makes it clear that AI readiness depends far more on people than on technology,” Anandarajan said.
“Many organizations already have access to powerful AI tools. What’s missing are professionals who can apply them thoughtfully — understanding the business context, the limitations, and how to translate insights into meaningful decisions.”
Skills are the biggest barrier to AI readiness for organizations
Research shows that capable people — not tools or infrastructure — are the limiting factor.
More than half (51%) of organizations say skills are among their top needs to become AI-ready, making talent in the workforce the greatest constraint on progress.
Recent graduates have a greater potential to contribute
Despite rapid advances in AI strategy and infrastructure, fewer than 4 in 10 organizations believe their current employees have the training to use AI effectively.
This gap highlights a growing imbalance: Companies are moving ahead with AI initiatives, but their workforce is still catching up. The result is an increased demand for graduates who can step in ready to contribute.
Organizations need leaders who understand AI strategy
Success with AI requires more than technical expertise alone.
More than one-quarter (27%) of organizations identify the ability to translate business needs into AI solutions as a top workforce gap.
Organizations need professionals who can bridge strategy and technology — understanding business problems, applying analytics and AI tools, and driving outcomes.
“Employers are looking for graduates who can move beyond tools and apply AI and analytics to actual organizational decisions,” said Diana Jones, executive director of the Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics.
“At LeBow, experiential learning and industry partnerships engage students in working through ambiguity in data, assumptions, and context while communicating insights in settings that reflect what they’ll encounter in their careers.”
AI is already delivering ROI, increasing pressure for job-ready talent
AI adoption isn’t purely experimental.
More than 60% of organizations expect a positive return on AI investments within one year. This raises the stakes for hiring professionals who can translate AI investments into measurable business results from day one.
Data literacy is foundational — and still lacking
If employees can’t interpret and apply data effectively, companies can’t fully leverage AI insights for decision-making.
Nearly half of organizations (47%) cite data literacy as a top challenge, reinforcing the talent gap that exists at the intersection of AI and analytics.
