Robert Half Research Reveals Key Priorities and Challenges Facing Today's Technology Leaders

Core Insights - A significant shortage of skilled technology talent is impeding companies' ability to achieve strategic goals and modernize operations, with 74% of technology leaders planning to hire for growth but 87% facing challenges in finding qualified candidates [1][3] Group 1: Priorities and Challenges - The top priorities for technology leaders in 2025 include addressing technical debt, modernizing IT operations, and driving innovation, necessitating a strategic hiring and development plan [2][3] - Technical debt is identified as a major barrier by 55% of tech leaders, highlighting the need for specialized skills in areas like AI, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity [3] - 76% of tech leaders report skills gaps within their teams, particularly in digital transformation and enterprise resource planning (ERP), with 75% expecting demand for such skills to grow in 2025 [3][4] Group 2: ERP and Digital Transformation - 92% of tech leaders face challenges in hiring for ERP-related roles, with evolving ERP platforms requiring professionals skilled in dynamic, cloud-based solutions [3][4] - The integration of intelligent and real-time ERP systems is essential for modern IT infrastructure, yet finding qualified professionals remains a significant challenge [3] Group 3: Key Areas of Focus - Key focus areas for technology leaders include cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, technology modernization, and cloud initiatives, which are critical for improving productivity and supporting agile operations [4][5]