AI investments face integration, compliance, and skills challenges: survey

Network engineers report that they see the current and future value in using artificial intelligence for network management and cybersecurity purposes, according to new survey results, but they also anticipate more barriers to successful adoption than their C-suite counterparts.

Network technology provider Opengear surveyed some 513 CIOs and CSOs and 508 network engineers across the U.K., U.S., France, Germany, and Australia to learn more about how organizations are applying AI in network management and cybersecurity efforts. “The adoption of AI in network management is widespread and growing, with enterprises recognizing its potential to enhance cybersecurity, automate routine tasks, and improve operational efficiency,” the report reads.

An overwhelming majority (94%) of CIOs and CSOs have started implementing AI for network management, and 58% of those executives report the implementation is complete. Yet just 42% of network engineers reported their businesses have fully implemented AI for network management. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of network engineers report that AI has been integrated into their cybersecurity systems to some degree, and 28% say it has been fully integrated. Still, 70% of network engineers said they believe AI will enhance their organization’s ability to respond to cybersecurity efforts, with only 27% saying it will significantly reduce response times.

“The research pinpoints a difference in focus between the C-suite and network engineers, shaped by their respective roles and where they are in their AI implementation journey,” said Patrick Quirk, SVP and General Manager at Opengear, in a statement. “Leadership and technical teams naturally see risk differently, which leads to varying priorities within a shared vision.”

The results show that 29% of network engineers pointed to high investment costs as one of the main barriers to AI adoption, especially in smaller organizations. Another 28% of network engineers cited regulatory and compliance requirements among the biggest hurdles to integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies over the next three to four years. One-third (33%) of CIOs and CSOs expect AI to lead to the creation of specialized roles to address current AI and automation skills gaps in organizations.

“This is particularly important as businesses seek to build internal expertise in AI technologies, ensuring they can manage and optimize their AI-driven systems effectively, and underlines the need for skilled professionals who can oversee AI’s integration into network management,” the report reads.

The outlook for AI remains positive among all survey respondents. The results reveal that two-thirds (66%) of CIOs and CSOs allocated between 4% and 10% of their IT and cybersecurity budget to AI for network management. More than one-third (37%) that have started implementing AI for network management expect to increase their investment by 10% to 25% over the next two to three years, and 22% anticipate a bigger increase of between 26% and 49%.