Gartner® Maverick Research Reveals a Surprising Future: The Diminishing Role of IT Skills in Organizations

The landscape of IT and its role within organizations is undergoing a seismic shift, according to the latest Maverick Research report by Gartner®. Titled "Stop Investing in IT Skills," this eye-opening report suggests a future where the traditional approach to IT skills in the workforce may become increasingly obsolete. Let's delve into the key findings and recommendations that could reshape how companies approach IT talent and resources.

Key Findings

1. A Drastic Reduction in In-House IT Talent: By 2030, Gartner® predicts that IT leaders will fail to fill 75% of their job listings, a significant jump from the 25% gap experienced in 2023. This projection signals a fundamental change in the availability and role of IT professionals within organizations.
2. Shift Towards Technology Vendors and Service Providers: The report further anticipates that by 2030, 90% of employees with IT skills will be working for technology vendors or service providers, a substantial increase from 30% in 2023. This trend suggests a migration of IT skills away from traditional in-house roles to specialized external entities.

Recommendations

1. Rethinking IT Hiring Strategies: Gartner® advises companies to move away from tactically hiring employees based on their IT skills. The emphasis should be on achieving strategic IT outcomes through the procurement of products and services rather than building an in-house team.
2. Focusing on Business Competencies: Organizations are encouraged to concentrate on developing business competencies, especially in vendor management and sourcing outcomes. This approach aligns with the need to effectively navigate and manage relationships with external IT service providers.
3. Reducing Vertical Integration: The report highlights the need for organizations to be less vertically integrated. In the context of IT, this means moving away from the traditional model of acquiring and nurturing IT skills internally. Instead, leveraging external expertise and solutions becomes the preferred strategy.

Implications for Businesses

The insights from Gartner®'s Maverick Research are not just predictions but potentially a roadmap for organizations to navigate the evolving IT landscape. This shift implies that businesses must adapt their strategies, focusing more on managing relationships with IT vendors and service providers and less on developing in-house IT skills. It also means that IT professionals might need to reconsider their career paths, perhaps moving towards roles in technology companies or service providers.

Gartner®'s report, "Stop Investing in IT Skills," paints a future where the traditional in-house IT department may become less relevant, and strategic partnerships with external vendors and service providers become crucial. As we approach 2030, it's essential for both businesses and IT professionals to be aware of these trends and adapt accordingly. Embracing this shift could be the key to staying competitive and effective in a rapidly changing technological environment.