WEALTH April 7, 2026 0 Comments

Why 90% of CIOs Are Flying Blind with AI – And What That Means for Your Business Next!

Ever get that feeling you’re supposed to be an AI whisperer even though you just figured out how to reset the office printer? Well, you’re not alone. Nearly nine out of ten CIOs admit they’re “learning on the go” with artificial intelligence — yep, mastering a technological beast while the train’s already speeding down the track. Logicalis and Vanson Bourne’s new research sheds light on this whirlwind: over 1,000 CIOs worldwide reveal that AI’s breakneck adoption pace is leaving organizational readiness eating dust. It’s like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle—exciting but terrifying. Add to that concerns over an AI bubble, daunting data challenges, and a culture that’s often less “bring it on” and more “hold my coffee,” and you get a picture of a leadership role morphing faster than anyone saw coming. It’s clear—the question isn’t if AI will change the game, but how CIOs can stay ahead without losing their minds… or their companies. Dive deeper into this AI rollercoaster and what it means for the future of tech leadership. LEARN MORE

Almost nine out of ten (89%) chief information officers are ‘learning on the go’ when it comes to artificial intelligence, according to research from Logicalis.

The study, conducted by Vanson Bourne, surveyed more than 1,000 CIOs across the globe and shows the pace of AI adoption is outstripping organisational readiness.

The findings reveal that over two-thirds (68%) of global CIOs are concerned about an “AI bubble”, citing this as a risk for their organisation.

CIOs in Ireland and the UK are somewhat less concerned than their global counterparts, with one in two expressing the same opinion.

Additionally, CIOs acknowledge a wide range of barriers to effective AI adoption within their organisations, with 88% believing AI ambitions are held by a local of internal technical capability.

Data challenges (87%) and organisational culture barriers such as change resistance and risk aversion amongst employees (87%) also compound these issues.

The survey also found that sustainability is falling under the CIO’s remit, with 82% of respondents confirming that energy efficiency is prioritised in AI deployments.

Innovation demands (48%) and risk management and compliance (38%) are now cited as primary drivers shaping AI adoption decisions, broadening the CIO’s remit and responsibilities as cross-functional decision makers.

Many organisations are turning to external support to address AI skills gaps, either by outsourcing cybersecurity elements (32%) or bringing in contractors and interim specialists (31%).

Nearly all CIOs expect to use managed service partners in the coming years (94%), with almost half anticipating that external partners will deliver core IT services (47%) in the future.

“Nine out of ten CIOs admitting they are learning on the go when it comes to AI technology is a striking finding,” said Mairead Malone, Ireland country lead for Logicalis.

“This research highlights an industry moving faster than many organisations are equipped to handle. The challenge is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to do so in a way that is secure, responsible and delivers real results.

“What stands out is the breadth of pressure now landing on the CIO, from AI sustainability measures to skills shortages and compliance. The research established how the CIO role is rapidly evolving, balancing innovation, risk, sustainability, and capability gaps simultaneously.

“For CIOs in Ireland and beyond, having the right partners and frameworks in place has never been more important, as we advance through the AI revolution, ensuring businesses are fully prepared to deliver success.”

Photo: Mairead Malone. (Pic: Supplied)