9 out of 10 global CIOs admit to “learning on the go” when it comes to AI

Learning on the go

Ireland, Apr 2, 2026

07th April 2026 | Dublin, Ireland: Logicalis, the leading global technology service provider, today announces the results of new research that finds almost nine out of ten (89%) CIOs are ‘learning on the go’ when it comes to AI. This indicates the pace of AI adoption outstripping organisational readiness. 

  • 68% of global CIOs are concerned about a potential AI bubble – dropping to 1 in 2 amongst Irish and UK CIOs
  • The vast majority of CIOs say AI ambitions are held back by skills gaps, data challenges and cultural resistance
  • 82% of CIOs say energy efficiency is prioritised in AI deployment

The research was conducted by Vanson Bourne on behalf of Logicalis, surveying more than 1,000 CIOs across the globe, including Ireland.

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 in their organisation, with 88% of global CIOs believing AI ambitions are held back by a lack 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. Additionally, 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.

To address the AI skills gap, many organisations are turning to external support, 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. 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.

Mairead Malone
Ireland Country Lead
Logicalis UK&I

View the full report for yourself.

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Media contacts

Eoin Connelly
Comit PR
EoinC@Comit.ie / 087 463 5856

Aisling Hinchy
Comit PR
Aisling@Comit.ie / 086 035 3732

About the research

At the end of 2025, Logicalis commissioned independent market research specialist Vanson Bourne to do a survey. Vanson Bourne interviewed 1,000 Business and IT professionals across EMEA, APAC, US and South America. Only respondents with “decision-maker” roles in organisations with a minimum of 250 employees, and with involvement with the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) within their organisations, were interviewed. The 2026 CIO report marks the 12th consecutive year Logicalis has undertaken this study.

About Logicalis UK&I

We are Architects of Change™. We help organisations succeed in a digital-first world. At Logicalis, we harness our collective technology expertise to help our clients build a blueprint for success, so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter.

Our lifecycle services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration and security are designed to help optimise operations, reduce risk and empower employees. As a global technology service provider, we deliver next-generation digital managed services to provide our clients with real-time visibility and actionable insights across the performance of their digital ecosystem including; reliability, user experience, security, economic performance and sustainability.

Our 7000+ ‘Architects of Change’ are based in 30 territories around the globe, helping our 10,000+ clients across a range of industry sectors, create sustainable outcomes through technology. Logicalis has annualised revenues of $1.7 billion, from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa. It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $5.1 billion.

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