AI/automation will replace 1 in 5 jobs across the globe within five years, according to a survey of Chief Information Officers from Harvey Nash and KPMG.

The prediction comes as IT departments are being tasked by executive boards to use AI/automation to improve efficiencies. Harvey Nash says this is likely to lead to a significant reorganisation of roles across the business.

However, the majority, or 69%, of CIOs believe that new jobs will compensate for job losses to AI/automation.

Harvey Nash’s survey also found that CIOs are struggling to find the right talent with skills shortages at their highest level since 2008. The three most scarce skills are big data/analytics (44%), cyber security (39%) and AI (39%). 

Meanwhile, fewer CIOs now sit on boards in 2019, dropping from 71% to 58% in just two years. This is despite the influence of the CIO remaining intact (66% this year view the role as gaining influence compared to 65% in 2018).

Harvey Nash and KPMG’s survey of 3,645 CIOs and technology leaders was conducted between 13 December 2018 and 4 April 2019, across 108 countries.