Fearing AI Replacement? Here's What IT Leaders Think
TechTarget, Tuesday, October 20th, 2026
Gartner says 40% of IT leaders plan to grow headcount in 2027, and IT leaders say AI will reshape roles more than eliminate them.
Gartner's 2027 CIO and Technology Executive Agenda survey found 40% of IT leaders plan to increase headcount in 2027, especially in cybersecurity, data and analytics.
Gartner's Alicia Mullery said most IT jobs will need significant reskilling, led by software engineering and data and analytics.
IT leaders interviewed by TechTarget said they worry more about driving business outcomes and developing their teams than about AI displacing people, though some acknowledged that "we don't have enough resources" excuses may disappear, which could mean fewer people or different roles.
Several stressed rethinking accountability and oversight as AI creates new roles while displacing others.