Number of tech-proficient CEOs must double by 2026 for UK firms to survive AI transformation

To survive the AI transformation, the number of tech-proficient CEOs in the UK must double by 2026, says leading ed-tech entrepreneur and founder of Cambridge Spark Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma.

Urma’s intervention follows a recent Accenture study that found 23% of UK business leaders to be ‘proficient’ in technology, up from 17% in 2021 (IT Pro). To be rated ‘proficient’, leaders must have either managed a tech company, held a decision-making role in tech, or had experience working with AI, cloud computing, data, or cyber security.

Urma, however, believes that the six-point improvement won’t be enough; for him, if organisations are to continue to profit throughout the AI revolution, we must double the percentage of leaders capable of making tech-related decisions.

Urma believes that we must do so by 2026. AI technology is already fundamentally altering how businesses operate around the world and its development is rapidly accelerating. Urma is calling for businesses to upskill their CEOs by 2026, at the latest.

Urma argues that AI and data literacy are crucial for those in leadership positions. CEOs and board members must be able to grasp AI tech so they can make the right calls when deciding the next steps for their business and determining how AI will fit in. Strategy comes from the top; Urma believes that CEOs and board members must have these skills.

Cambridge Spark is an education technology company providing data and AI skills programmes that help organisations upskill their workforces and roll out AI tools. Some of the most notable organisations that Cambridge Spark has worked with include Aviva, the NHS, M&S, and the BBC. The ed-tech business ranked on The Sunday Times Hundred 2024, a list of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies.

Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma, founder and chairman of Cambridge Spark, said: “We all know that AI is going to demand a lot from CEOs and board members across all sectors; in fact, it already is. CEOs across the country are experiencing what I’d call a ‘tech anxiety.’ Leaders don’t want to miss out on AI tech, but they don’t want to mess up, either.

“They don’t fully understand AI’s ROI yet, they don’t know what it takes to correctly implement the tech, and yet they’re moving ahead, bringing AI into their organisations. Really, when it comes to emerging, innovative technologies like AI, leaders struggle; they’re often implementing them blindly.

“The truth is that to roll out AI tools properly and see a return on their investment, business leaders must grasp the tech themselves – it’s a non-negotiable. CEOs are best-placed to identify – from a broad, strategic level – the natural next steps for implementing AI throughout the organisation to deliver business outcomes. On top of this, they’ll be able to ensure that the rest of the workforce is getting the right training, equipping them with the mindset and tools they need to action that strategy.

“If UK businesses are going to come out the other side of the AI transformation, they need to get serious about upskilling their CEOs, providing practical tech training programmes that deliver fundamental data science and AI know-how. Realistically, the current proportion of tech-proficient leaders is too low; we must double it over the next year, and at least by 2026.

“If those at the top understand how data and AI can transform their businesses, accelerate productivity, and unlock areas for improvement, then UK organisations have a real shot at making rapid technological developments work for them. The time is now. AI isn’t slowing down, and our upskilling efforts mustn’t either.”