CIOs remain hindered by an acute technology skills shortage, according to the 2016 Harvey Nash/KPMG CIO Survey. Almost two-thirds of global CIOs surveyed, 65%, said they believe a lack of talent will prevent their organization from keeping up with the pace of change, a 10% increase in 12 months. Compounding the issue, 44% expect to increase team size next year.

Data analytics remains the most in-demand skill for the second consecutive year at 39%. However, digital and security recorded the biggest jump in skill demand year over year, up 21%, and 17% respectively.

While skills and talent retention challenges are once again a thorn in the side of IT leaders, the shortfalls are asymmetric in nature, according to Jonathan Mitchell, non-executive chair, global CIO practice, Harvey Nash. “CIOs in Asia-Pacific, for example, are significantly more worried about skills shortages compared to their European and North American counterparts,” he said. “Unsurprisingly, big data and analytics have moved further ahead as their major areas of concern. Forty percent of all IT leaders feel pressure in this area.”

The survey included 3,352 CIOs and technology leaders and was conducted between Dec. 12, 2015 and April 10, 2016, across 82 countries.