Partners' lack of capabilities remain significant obstacle to implementing AI initiatives for UK businesses - research

A quarter of survey respondents believe vendors and MSPs represent the area needing the most investment for improving IT sustainability over the next two years

UK businesses think AI will lead to greater use of channel companies but believe partners still don’t have the right capabilities to apply AI initiatives.

This is according to an IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by internet platform Expereo, which highlights where UK companies are relying more on technology partners, a definition that includes both vendors and managed service providers.

The research surveyed 650 technology leaders in global organisations across Europe, the US and APAC.

38 per cent of technology leaders in the UK think AI will positively increase their use of external business partners/suppliers (not limited to technology partners).

However, 29 per cent said current external technology partners (vendors and MSPs) not having the right capabilities remains a significant obstacle to implementing AI initiatives in their organisation.

But these businesses are still looking to the channel for support on the talent shortage and skills gap, with 28 per cent relying more on external partners to help.

Moreover, the survey found that organisations rely on external partners to address networking and cybersecurity skills gaps, using them more for general IT operations and support than for data, AI, and automation.

Of these areas, networking emerged as the leading territory, with 40 per cent of respondents expecting to increase their organisation’s use of external partners to help bridge skills gaps.

Cybersecurity closely followed with 38 per cent of UK tech leaders expecting to grow reliance on MSPs and vendors.

Data, AI and automation, were pooled into one group where 30 per cent predicted greater dependence, followed by general IT operations and support with 28 per cent.

Finally, only 13 per cent stated they expected to turn to MSPs and vendors for support around cloud, and eight per cent said none of the above.

More sustainability

General technology isn’t the only area where businesses are turning to the channel for a helping hand as sustainability is still on the radar of many companies.

However, while organisations see their supply chain and external partnerships as a critical component of their sustainability efforts, they believe more needs to be done by vendors and MSPs.

A quarter (25 per cent) of UK tech leaders believe their external technology partners represent the area needing the most attention or investment for improving IT sustainability over the next two years.

The report highlighted how UK businesses evaluate their technology partners' sustainability practices, with 33 per cent of saying they value when partners mention sustainability, but they don't use formal metrics to evaluate those claims.

This suggests a more casual approach where sustainability is viewed positively but not rigorously assessed.

Almost half (49 per cent) “apply a small number of formal metrics in the most important areas” that partners must meet.

Finally, 18 per cent require partners to have a "rigorous stance on sustainability" including major accreditations.

Overall, this data shows varying levels of commitment to IT sustainability in partner selection among UK businesses, with almost half taking a measured approach using limited formal metrics, about a third taking a more informal approach, and a smaller portion requiring rigorous standards and accreditation.