A recent study has found that UK business leaders are leading the way in incorporating technological expertise into their leadership teams. The report, conducted by Accenture, shows that the UK has rapidly enhanced the technological skills of its top executives, positioning itself as a leader in tech-driven innovation across Europe.
Accenture’s UK technology lead, Emma Kendrew, highlighted the UK’s position in the global race to integrate new technologies. “British businesses have elevated their technology talent quickly, proving the UK is not just a hub of science and tech heritage but a leader in European tech leadership,” Kendrew said. She emphasised that the rise of generative AI is prompting businesses to rethink their operations, making it crucial to have tech-savvy leaders at the top.
Increasing Technology Expertise in Leadership
Accenture analysed over 2,500 of the largest firms globally, assessing the professional backgrounds of 27,820 directors, including CEOs. The research revealed that over 23% of UK business leaders now have strong technology expertise, a sharp increase from 17% in 2021. This figure places the UK ahead of Europe’s average of 16% and North America’s 22%, showcasing the nation’s strength in fostering tech leadership.
One key factor contributing to this rise is the increasing representation of women in leadership roles. In the UK, 41% of board members and CEOs are women, a 4% rise year-on-year. Moreover, 30% of these women have a background in technology, almost double the proportion of male leaders (18%) with similar skills. This growing representation of women is playing a pivotal role in advancing tech expertise in UK businesses.
The Role of AI and Data in Leadership Evolution
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving significant changes in leadership roles across the UK. A large proportion of leadership vacancies are now focused on data, with over 40% of c-suite job postings in the past year related to data expertise. While the UK still lags behind in AI-specific expertise, with only 1% of current leaders possessing AI knowhow compared to 2% globally, this gap is closing as businesses prioritise the recruitment of tech-savvy leaders.
Emma Kendrew emphasised the importance of AI knowledge for modern business leaders. “For a leader in a blue-chip company, being AI literate is now essential,” Kendrew said. She added that businesses must continue their efforts to bring in leaders with data skills and to upskill current executives to fully understand emerging technologies.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
The report highlights the need for UK business leaders to further integrate technology expertise to stay competitive in the global market. With AI and other emerging technologies transforming industries, leadership teams must continue to develop their skills to navigate this evolving landscape. The UK’s ability to foster tech-savvy leaders will be crucial in maintaining its edge in Europe and beyond.
