Signal Only half the talent with advanced AI skills is available against demand

Summary

McKinsey points to a global talent shortage as one reason AI-driven productivity gains are not appearing everywhere. Advanced AI skills, including edge computing, big data, and machine learning, are in short supply worldwide. Only about half of the talent with the required skills is available to meet current demand. The report explains that needed skills differ by activity, with deep specialists requiring extensive domain knowledge while AI-empowered frontline staff focus on relationships and interpersonal work. Beyond this technical gap, it identifies the organizational challenge of reshaping roles and managing change across the enterprise.