The employment landscape is undergoing a monumental shift as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The AI Workforce Consortium’s latest report reveals that 78% of ICT roles now require AI skills, underscoring the urgency for small business owners to adapt to these changes. The report, titled "ICT in Motion: The Next Wave of AI Integration," was released on September 16, 2025, and was led by Cisco, alongside other industry leaders like Google and IBM.
The findings indicate that seven out of the ten fastest-growing ICT jobs are AI-related, including roles such as AI/ML Engineer and AI Risk & Governance Specialist. This development highlights a pivotal moment for businesses of all sizes, particularly small enterprises, that are looking to remain competitive and secure their market position.
Businesses can no longer overlook the importance of AI competencies in their workforce. The shift toward AI integration invites both opportunities and challenges. In particular, small business owners should consider the skills gap that has emerged. Critical areas requiring attention include generative AI, large language models, and AI ethics. Notably, the demand for expertise in AI governance has surged by over 150%, reflecting the necessity for a workforce that understands not just technology but also the ethical implications of its application.
The Consortium emphasizes the need for a balanced skillset. While technical capabilities remain essential, soft skills like communication, leadership, and collaboration are now equally prioritized. "As AI reshapes our world and work, people remain at the center," says Francine Katsoudas, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer. This point is particularly critical for small businesses that may not have vast resources to invest in extensive training programs.
To help address these challenges, the AI Workforce Consortium has launched several resources aimed specifically at empowering employees and organizations. These include:
- AI Workforce Playbook: A step-by-step guide designed to align workforce development with AI initiatives, including real-world use cases to bridge skill gaps.
- Updated Learning Recommendations: A curated database of over 200 courses focused on emerging AI skills, tailored to aid both individuals and small business teams.
- AI Skills Glossary: A comprehensive resource for standardizing AI skills across sectors, vital for guiding both education and industry practices.
The 2025 report reveals that tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, London, and Toronto are driving a remarkable increase in AI-related job openings — with Silicon Valley experiencing a staggering 156% growth. Smaller cities are not far behind, as places like Manchester and Vancouver witness over 70% growth in AI job opportunities. This geographical disparity signifies that small business owners should reevaluate their talent acquisition strategies, focusing on attracting skilled workers from these emerging hubs.
However, the integration of AI is not without its potential pitfalls. As organizations push to adopt AI technologies, they must also contend with the ethical implications and governance issues that accompany them. Ryan Oakes from Accenture stressed the importance of ensuring a workforce fluent in advanced technologies while embedding ethical practices. Small businesses, in particular, may face challenges in navigating these complexities without dedicated resources for compliance and best practices.
Ashutosh Garg, Co-founder of Eightfold AI, warns that without C-level support and a human-centric approach, AI initiatives may fail, leading to poor adoption rates and exposing companies to ethical risks. Smaller organizations might find this aspect daunting, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships and investment in training.
Google’s Lisa Gevelber noted, "The data is clear: AI skills are essential for today’s jobs." She highlights an opportunity for small businesses to capitalize on collaborative partnerships to access training and technological advancements that can level the playing field.
As the world of work transitions into this new AI-driven era, small businesses must be proactive in equipping their teams with the necessary skills and frameworks to thrive. The AI Workforce Consortium aims to upskill 95 million individuals worldwide in the next decade, illustrating a collective commitment to cultivating a workforce ready for an uncertain future.
By investing in training and encouraging a culture of adaptability, small business owners can turn the challenges posed by AI into significant growth opportunities. Engaging with resources like the AI Workforce Playbook and participating in available training courses could very well be the key to unlocking the potential that AI offers.
For further insights and resources, you can view the original press release on Cisco’s newsroom.
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