AI and cyber security are underestimated: one in four companies does not provide training

Despite the vulnerabilities that have come to light regarding cyber security and artificial intelligence – as highlighted by recent high-profile cases that have caused significant damage and will be followed by investigations – one in four companies does not provide structured and ongoing training on crucial topics such as cyber security and artificial intelligence. According to the “Experis 2026 CIO Outlook Survey” report, which surveyed 1,930 IT managers across 12 countries, including Italia, 28 per cent of companies do not regularly offer cybersecurity training courses for their staff, whilst over 40 per cent of organisations do not provide AI refresher programmes for emerging talent within the company, preferring to turn to external professionals.

The survey, carried out by ManpowerGroup, clearly highlights – not least in light of the rapid technological developments driven by AI – the need – cited by 48 per cent of respondents (up from 35 per cent in 2025) – for greater alignment between a company’s overall business objectives and its IT strategy. Even more significant is the fact that 61 per cent of respondents state that senior management do not have a sufficient understanding of the role and responsibilities of the company’s IT managers. Also of great importance are the strengthening of cybersecurity (cited by 37 per cent of the 2026 sample, compared with 35 per cent in 2025) and the launch of digital transformation initiatives (30 per cent, compared with 23 per cent in 2025). “Ongoing and comprehensive training for staff on key topics such as artificial intelligence and cyber security can help develop up-to-date skills and ensure that a company’s technological investments are increasingly effective and aligned with business objectives,” notes Salvatore Basile, director of Experis in Italia, a brand of ManpowerGroup.

“In a context characterised by significant technological dependencies and recurring geopolitical tensions, skills take on a strategic dimension,” explains Marco Taisch, Professor of Digital Manufacturing at the Politecnico di Milano and President of the MADE Competence Centre for Industry 4.0. Digital sovereignty is not built solely on technology, data and infrastructure, but also on people capable of understanding and managing them. The real risk is that investment is focused primarily on software, rather than on people’s ability to use it. Lifelong learning, however, should not be seen as a complement to innovation: it is an integral part of it.” Artificial intelligence is confirmed as one of the main ‘drivers’ of the ongoing transformation. Over 60 per cent of the sample state that they have begun implementing AI-based technologies into existing systems, whilst 54 per cent say that investments in AI are starting to generate a positive return. However, in 2026, the proportion of IT leaders who say they regularly organise AI training programmes for emerging talent (58 per cent) is lower than in 2025 (63 per cent), raising the question of who will be adequately prepared to lead the technology functions of organisations.