‘Scarcity of developers and SAP experts… huge demand for critical skills’: SAP exec on relevancy of tech jobs in AI world
In today’s fast-paced AI-driven world, tech jobs are more essential than ever. A senior SAP executive recently emphasized that the demand for skilled professionals in technology is outpacing the available talent. Developers, SAP consultants, and AI specialists are in short supply, and the gap continues to widen.
Even with the rise of automation, human expertise remains irreplaceable. Companies worldwide are transforming digitally. This transformation increases the need for professionals who can manage, integrate, and support complex systems. SAP solutions, in particular, are at the core of many businesses. But the talent pool isn’t growing fast enough to meet global demand.
AI Is Not Replacing Jobs—It’s Redefining Them
Many believe that AI will replace tech jobs. This is a myth. According to SAP leaders, AI is not eliminating jobs—it’s creating new ones.
AI handles repetitive tasks and data processing efficiently. But human involvement is still necessary. Businesses rely on people for strategic thinking, ethical oversight, system integration, and decision-making. AI needs skilled hands to design and manage it.
Roles like developers, data analysts, cloud engineers, and SAP consultants are more critical than ever. These professionals ensure that AI tools function correctly and deliver real value.
The Global Shortage of Critical Skills
There’s a growing shortage of people with expertise in SAP, cloud computing, and advanced programming. As businesses switch to modern systems like SAP S/4HANA, the demand for skilled professionals grows sharply.
However, supply isn’t keeping up. Thousands of SAP-related roles remain unfilled. Industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are struggling to find certified experts. These industries rely on SAP to run core operations, making the shortage even more serious.
New Roles Require New Skills
AI’s influence on enterprise software is leading to new types of jobs. Roles like SAP AI integration specialist and intelligent automation consultant are now in demand. These positions require a mix of domain knowledge, programming, and machine learning expertise.
The SAP executive highlighted the urgency of continuous upskilling. He explained, “The half-life of technical skills is shrinking. What was innovative five years ago may already be outdated. Professionals must evolve constantly.”
SAP is addressing this need by offering training programs. These include the SAP Learning Hub and openSAP courses. The aim is to make learning accessible and help workers build skills for the future.
Developers Are Also in Short Supply
The shortage extends beyond SAP. Developers with skills in full-stack development, DevOps, cloud-native apps, and cybersecurity are also scarce. Both startups and large corporations are competing to hire these professionals.
Technology evolves quickly. Frameworks and tools change faster than many universities can adapt. As a result, students often graduate without the skills employers need.
This gap is driving demand for bootcamps, self-learning, and on-the-job training. Companies want talent that can hit the ground running.
What This Means for Job Seekers
For tech professionals, the timing couldn’t be better. Those who invest in the right skills—SAP Fiori, ABAP, machine learning, and cloud platforms—are highly sought after. Many firms are offering flexible work, strong salaries, and global job opportunities to attract talent.
Job seekers can stand out by combining technical know-how with soft skills. Communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are just as important as code.
What This Means for Employers
For businesses, the skill shortage is a major concern. Without the right people, projects get delayed, costs increase, and digital growth slows. Companies must rethink how they hire and retain tech talent.
Many are investing in in-house training and partnerships with edtech platforms. Others are building talent pipelines through internships, mentorships, and apprenticeships.
Collaboration Is the Way Forward
The SAP executive urged stakeholders to collaborate. Schools, governments, tech firms, and training institutions must work together. Early digital education, skill-based learning, and support for underrepresented groups can help expand the talent pool.
He ended with an optimistic message:
“Technology will keep advancing, and that’s a good thing. But we must ensure people grow with it. Building a digital workforce is a shared responsibility.”
