AI and the Impending Third Technology Talent Drought
CIO, Thursday, October 1st, 2026
Falling computing enrollments in the U.S., UK and Australia signal a third tech talent drought that could last a decade.
A CIO.com column warns that the tech talent pipeline is shrinking on two fronts: fewer students choose computer and information science, and hiring managers expect weaker near-term demand for graduates.
U.S. CS and IS enrollment fell more than 8% in 2025 while overall undergraduate enrollment rose 1%, UK computing entrants dropped 9%, and Australian IT degree enrollment fell 21% heading into 2026.
The author notes the profession has weathered two earlier talent declines, each taking more than a decade to recover, and urges leaders to keep hiring and developing early-career talent.