AI, digital security and IoT-related skill sets are expected to be in high demand as businesses look to instil a sense of urgency around digital transformation and position themselves to leverage new platforms and systems.

This is according to industry analysts from Gartner who at this year's Gartner Symposium in Cape Town emphasised the role of people in digital transformation, specifically in helping businesses achieve digital dexterity and compete effectively.

"Once digital revenues for a sector - and that is any sector - hits 20% of total revenue, hyper-competition begins. What hit books is now happening in clothing... disruption is the new black, and it will go all the way to grocery over time. Now digital revenues may be low now, but with the acquisition of US fresh food retailer wholefoods, it is set to disrupt the entire retail food industry... so watch out for that 20% mark, this is the disruption point," said Peter Sondergaard, Executive Vice President, Research, Gartner.

Tina Nunno, VP and Gartner Fellow in Gartner's Office of the CIO research room, said that talented skills are the top growth constraint for both CEOs and CIOs.

"The secret to digital is analogue and by analogue, you guessed it, we mean people. There is a looming talent cliff for key technology skills such as AI and cyber security. And it is not just IT jobs, there has been a 60% growth in technology skills required for non-IT roles over the past four years. To scale, we need people with digital dexterity, people who are collaborative, agile, analytical, innovative and creative. People with both the ability and desire to exploit existing and emerging technologies for better business outcomes," said Nunno.

To pre-empt the talent cliff, there is a need to build people, according to Gartner analysts.

"Immediately begin working with HR and other leaders to bring new capabilities to your organisation. Longer term, advanced technologies and AI will enhance human capacity and humans will enhance machines. Whether you are an IT partner, a digital builder or digital pioneer, measure your success by new digital KPIs," added Sondergaard.