The AI revolution may be in full swing — but could come to a screeching halt due to a critical skills shortage, especially when it comes to the highest ranks of AI leaders. There are only 700 qualified chief AI officers in the market, estimates David Mathison, founder and chairman of the CAIO (chief data officer) Club and Summit, who tracks the growth of the title in monthly updates. ‘It’s almost impossible to find high-level strategic AI talent, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises,’ he says.