In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, leaders are grappling with the challenges of digital transformation, particularly as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) redefine the way technical tasks are executed. To delve into how these tech leaders are navigating this transformation, Coursera has collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to conduct a comprehensive survey among senior technology executives who are at the forefront of digital transformation initiatives. The findings, released in the detailed report "From Cloud to AI: How Tech Leaders Are Investing in Skills Development to Drive Transformation," shed light on the priorities and strategies of these decision-makers, highlighting their focus on skills development, AI implementation, and the structuring of transformation roadmaps.
Key Insights from the Report
Focusing Beyond AI: A Holistic Skill Development Approach
While the transformation driven by AI and cloud technologies is a major focus for the next three years, tech leaders are emphasizing the development of a broad spectrum of foundational skills. This includes expertise in cloud computing, data management, and cybersecurity, in addition to AI capabilities. The survey reveals that:
- A significant majority of technology leaders (95% for cloud and 91% for GenAI) consider these areas as crucial business objectives for the coming years.
- When asked about critical skills for the future, leaders prioritized cloud skills (63%), followed by data skills (58%), cybersecurity (54%), and AI skills (47%).
- The primary motivation driving the urgency for skills development is the necessity to keep pace with the rapidly advancing technology landscape.
Preparing for the Automation Revolution
As AI continues to evolve, technology leaders are bracing for an era where automation reshapes team dynamics, workflows, and workplace expectations. The survey indicates that:
- Almost every respondent expects AI to augment some of their tasks within the next three years, with over half (52%) predicting that 30-50% of their tasks will be automated, thereby allowing more time for strategic initiatives.
- A vast majority (99%) anticipate that their codebases will integrate AI-generated or AI-assisted components, with 86% forecasting that up to 20-50% of their code will be influenced by AI.
- More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents believe that all technical roles will be affected by task automation due to AI advancements, with software developers (42%) and systems developers (41%) expected to experience the most significant impact.
The Irreplaceable Role of Human Contribution
Despite the increasing reliance on automation, there is a consensus among leaders that human skills are indispensable. A whopping 88% assert that AI transformation goals cannot be achieved without substantial investment in talent development. The survey further reveals:
- Sixty-three percent of technology leaders agree that non-technical teams often underestimate the resources and training necessary to realize GenAI objectives.
- A majority (72%) expect new hires to possess an understanding of how generative AI can be applied to their roles, yet 74% acknowledge that they cannot solely rely on new hires to bridge AI skill gaps.
- A striking 88% of leaders agree that AI investment plans will fail without increased training efforts, and 77% recognize upskilling as critical to achieving transformation goals in the next 12-18 months.
- Most leaders (86%) report moderate to significant productivity boosts from skills development, attributing enhanced performance (72%), greater workforce agility (67%), and increased employee engagement (59%) as the primary benefits.
Prioritizing Real-World, Hands-On Training
Tech leaders believe that training is most effective when it simulates real-world challenges, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning experiences that enable employees to immediately apply new skills. Key factors in selecting an online learning platform include:
- The importance of hands-on practice in applying new skills (60%), high-quality content from industry experts (56%), and customizable training content to meet team needs (55%).
- When designing hands-on learning experiences, leaders prioritize providing real-world projects relevant to work (60%), practical skills assessments (56%), and opportunities for risk-free experimentation (51%).
The global study, conducted between March and April 2025, gathered insights from over 750 director-level or higher leaders in IT, product, and engineering from large enterprises with over 1,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $100 million. Their responses offer a strategic perspective on how organizations aim to integrate cloud infrastructure, AI capabilities, and talent development to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly automated future.
For those interested in delving deeper into these insights, the full Technology Leaders’ Survey can be accessed here.
Additional Perspectives: The Broader Context
In the broader context, the findings of this survey align with ongoing trends in the tech industry. As organizations strive to harness the power of AI and the cloud, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas continues to rise. This underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the workforce. The emphasis on practical training and real-world application reflects a shift towards more effective learning methodologies that not only impart knowledge but also enhance problem-solving skills and innovation.
Moreover, the recognition of human contributions as irreplaceable highlights a critical balance between technology and human oversight. While automation can significantly enhance efficiency, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence remain uniquely human attributes that machines cannot replicate. This balance is essential for successful digital transformation and achieving long-term business objectives.
Conclusion
The survey conducted by Coursera and AWS provides valuable insights into the strategic priorities of technology leaders as they navigate the complexities of digital transformation. As organizations continue to integrate AI and cloud technologies into their operations, the focus on skill development and practical training will be pivotal in driving success. By investing in their workforce and recognizing the unique value of human contributions, tech leaders can effectively leverage technological advancements to achieve their transformation goals and maintain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
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