85% of UK executives indicate at least some degree of gaps in IT skills at their business exists. 62% of UK executives believe the cybersecurity threat level is increasing. Find out more on how companies are adopting new technology and how it's impacting their workforce.

1. International Technology Adoption
& Workforce Issues Study
Summary for United Kingdom

2. About this Research
CompTIA’s International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study was conducted to collect and share information on technology adoption and
workforce trends across several countries. The objectives of this research include:
• Explore business and information technology (IT) priorities among organizations
• Examine the usage of key technologies/solutions and IT services such as security and cloud computing
• Identify which IT skills are most important to employers and if there are any skills gap issues or staffing concerns
• Evaluate professional development practices such as training and certification
The data for this study was collected via a quantitative online survey conducted February 22 to March 23, 2013 among 1,256 IT and business executives
directly involved in setting or executing information technology policies and processes within their organizations. The 10 countries covered in this study
include:
Brazil (n=125); Canada (n=125); France (n=125); Germany (n=131); India (n=125); Japan (n=125); Mexico (n=125); Middle East Subset (Oman, Saudi
Arabia, United Arab Emirates) (n=125); Thailand (n=125); United Kingdom (n=125)
Surveys were localized and translated to allow respondents to participate in their native language. Additionally, precautions were taken to minimize
misinterpretations of questions. However, research has shown, cultural differences exist and can affect responses to certain question types, such as 5-
point satisfaction rating questions. Viewers of this report should keep that in mind when comparing results across countries.
The margin of sampling error at 95% confidence for aggregate results is +/- 2.8 percentage points. Sampling error is larger for subgroups of the data,
such as individual countries where it is +/- 8.9 percentage points. As with any survey, sampling error is only one source of possible error. While non-
sampling error cannot be accurately calculated, precautionary steps were taken in all phases of the survey design, collection and processing of the data
to minimize its influence. Note: because data collection occurred via an online survey, in countries where Internet penetration is lower among
businesses, the non-sampling error could be higher.
CompTIA is responsible for all content contained in this series. Any questions regarding the study should be directed to CompTIA Market Research staff
at research@comptia.org.
CompTIA is a member of the Marketing Research Association (MRA) and adheres to the MRA’s Code of Market Research Ethics and Standards.

3. Key IT Priorities for UK Businesses:
1. IT security
2. Data storage/back-up
3. Web/online presence/e-commerce
4. Network infrastructure
5. Mobility-related initiatives
Key Summary Points: UK
Key Stats for UK
$36,700 GDP per capita (PPP) | world rank: 36th
0.69% GDP growth forecast for 2013
37%
% of UK executives expecting 2013 business
conditions to be better than 2012
31.9m Total workforce
78% % of workforce employed in the services sector
0.742m Estimate of IT workforce* in core IT occupations
24%
% of UK executives expecting to increase IT staff
headcount at their business in 2013
51.4m Internet users | world rank: 7th
81.6m Mobile phone users | world rank: 17th
77%
NET % of UK executives indicating IT is important to
the success of their business
2.8% Planned increase in IT spending in 2013 (YOY)
Key Strategic Priorities for UK Businesses:
1. Reach new customers
2. Reduce costs / overhead
3. Improve staff productivity/capabilities
Cybersecurity:
62% of UK executives believe the cybersecurity threat level is
increasing. Additionally, 44% of UK executives believe human error is a
growing factor in security security incidents: Top human error related
factors include:
1. General negligence / carelessness towards security
2. Failure of staff to get up to speed with new threats
IT Skills Gaps:
85% of UK executives indicate at least some degree of gaps in IT skills
at their business exists. For 37%, the reported skills gaps are small,
while for 48% the gaps are more extensive. Top negative effects of IT
skills gaps at UK businesses:
1. Lower staff productivity
2. Less than ideal customer service and Ineffective innovation
IT Training and Certification:
86% of IT staff at UK businesses engaged in some type of IT training
during the past 12 months.
1. 41% of UK executives believe IT certifications will increase in
importance over the next two years; 54% believe IT certifications’
importance will remain constant
2. 73% of UK executives believe it’s important to test after training to
confirm knowledge gains
Sources used for above stats: CompTIA, IMF, CIA World Factbook, IDC
*See appendix for definition of core IT occupations

4. Detailed Findings: Business
and Technology Issues

5. Strategic Priorities Include Tech Component
Base: 1,244 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study
20%
76%
21%
77%
Overall
UK
Top Strategic Priorities Among
UK Businesses for 2013
NET
Unimportant
NET
Important
Neutral
1. Reach new customers
2. Reduce costs / overhead
3. Improve staff productivity/capabilities
4. Innovate more effectively
5. Further leverage technology to improve
business operations
37% of UK executives in this CompTIA survey
say business conditions are improving and
expect 2013 to be better than 2012.
62% expect to increase their expenditure on
IT products and services over the next 12
months.
Importance of Technology to UK
Business Success Trends Upwards

6. Many Businesses Seek to Improve Their Use of IT
0%
6%
38%
45%
10%
Not at all close
Not that close
Moderately close
Very close
Exactly where
want to be
Degree to Which UK Businesses are
“Where They Want to Be” in
Technology Utilization
• Security/Cybersecurity
• Data storage/back-up
• Web/online presence/e-commerce
• Network infrastructure
• Mobility-related initiatives
• Collaboration
• Cloud computing
• Data analytics/Big data/Business
intelligence
Top Technology Priorities Over Next 12
Months for UK Businesses
Base: 125 UK business and IT executives
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

7. More than Half of UK Businesses have Adopted
Cloud Computing to Some Degree
22% 21%
39%
17%
20%
24%
42%
14%
Overall
UK
Key Hurdles to Cloud Adoption
for UK Businesses
Cloud Computing Adoption Stage
Full use
stage
Experi-
mentation
stage
Evalu-
ation or
Investi-
gation
stage
Basic
aware-
ness
stage
47% Security or data loss concerns
30% Insufficient or unclear ROI
27% Slow/unreliable internet access
25% Difficulty in integrating or migrating legacy
applications to the cloud
24% Cloud services still unproven
24% Challenges in developing staff expertise/
experience with cloud applications/solutions
22% Unclear/costly government regulation or
compliance related to using the cloud
Base: 1,252 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

8. Cybersecurity Risks a Growing Concern
1%
2%
27%
44%
26%
0%
1%
38%
53%
Decreasing
significantly
Decreasing
moderately
No change
Increasing
moderately
Increasing
significantly
UK
Overall
Overall, 62% of UK Businesses
Believe the Security Threat Level
has Increased during Past Two Years
• Rise of social networking
• Greater interconnectivity of
devices, systems, users
• Greater availability of easy-to-use hacking
tools, allowing more individuals to engage in
criminal cyber activity
• Growing criminalization and organization of
hackers motivated by financial gain
Top Factors Cited by UK Businesses for
Increasing Security Risks
Base: 1,256 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study
9%

9. Human Error Is Still a Security Risk Factor
56%
44%
NET increase in human
error as a security risk
factor
NET no change or
decrease in human
error as a security
factor
Top Drivers of Human Error as an
Rising Security Risk Factor
Assessment of Human Error as
a Security Risk Factor
• General negligence / carelessness towards
security
• Failure of staff to get up to speed with new
threats (e.g. mobility, social media, cloud, etc.)
• Lack of security expertise with websites and
applications
• Increased use of social media by staff
• Failure of IT staff to follow security procedures
and policies
• Lack of security expertise with
networks, servers and other infrastructure
Base: 125 UK business and IT executives
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

10. Detailed Findings: IT Training
and Certification Issues

11. 1 in 4 UK Businesses Plan to Hire IT Staff in 2013;
Some Expect Challenges in Finding Workers
5%
56%
39%
7%
70%
24%
Decrease in IT staff No… Increase in IT staff
Overall
UK
52%
48%
NET concerned
about IT labor
quantity or quality
NET not that
concerned about
IT labor quantity
or quality
Concern Over Ability to Hire IT Staff2013 Hiring Intent for IT Staff
Base: 1,252 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

12. Many Businesses Seek Improvement
on the IT Skills Front
0%
4%
44%
37%
15%
Not at all close
Not that close
Moderately close
Very close
Exactly where
want to be
Assessment of how Close UK
Businesses are to Where They
Want to be with the IT Skills of
Their IT Staff 30% Lower staff productivity
26% Poor customer service /
customer engagement
26% Ineffective innovation / new
product development
22% Security / defending against
malware, hacking, etc.
17% Speed to market with new
products or services
Top Negative Impacts of IT Skills Gaps
Base: 124 UK business and IT executives
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

13. IT Skills Rating Among UK Businesses
1. Teamwork
2. Customer service
3. Project management
4. Motivation and initiative
5. Strong work ethic
6. Flexibility and adaptability
7. Verbal and written communication skills
8. Analytical skills
9. Innovation / Creative problem solving
Top Rated “Soft” IT Skills
1. Help Desk / IT support
2. Networks / Infrastructure
3. Storage / data back-up
4. Server / data center management
5. Data analytics / Business intelligence
6. Database / Information management
7. Customer relationship management (CRM)
8. Mobile phones / smartphones
9. Printers, copiers, multifunction devices
10. Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
Top Rated IT Skills in Terms of
the Importance of Maintaining a
High Skill Level Among IT staff
Keep in mind, many emerging technologies, such as cloud or mobility, are important to businesses, but it may not yet be the highest
priority to ensure a high level of IT staff expertise. As businesses move along the adoption curve and engage in more advanced uses of
cloud and mobility, staff expertise in those areas increases. Additionally, in some areas such as security, businesses may rely on outside
experts for guidance, so building internal skills could be a lower priority.
Base: 125 UK business and IT executives
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

14. Types of Training/Education Utilized
by IT Staff in Past 12 Months
11%
8%
30%
24%
40%
23%
38%
45%
14%
6%
30%
25%
42%
14%
28%
35%
No training or education
Some other type of training
Webinars / Online presentation
from an instructor or expert
Reading industry news, technical journals, etc.
E-learning / Online self-directed training
Additional college coursework
Attending industry conferences, workshops, etc.
Training course with an instructor /
Classroom instruction
UK
Overall
Base: 1,256 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

15. Policy Towards the Use of IT Certifications
21%
37%
34%
24%
44%
31%
No formal or informal position
towards the use of IT certifications
Informal – not required,
but valued and encouraged
Formal – IT certifications
required for certain IT staff
UK
Overall
Base: 1,241 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

16. 4 in 10 UK Businesses Expect IT Certifications
to Increase in Importance Over Next Two Years
54%
30%
11%
Significant
Increase in
Importance
Increase in
Importance
NET
Decrease
NET
Increase in
Importance
No
Change
73% “It’s important to test after training to
confirm knowledge gains”
59% “Teams of staff with IT certifications
benefit from having a common foundation
of knowledge”
58% “Staff with IT certifications have proven
expertise”
NET Agreement (agree +
strongly agree) to Statements
Expectations for Change in
Importance of IT Certifications
Over Next Two Years
Base: 125 UK business and IT executives
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

17. UK Businesses Much More Likely to Agree to
Statements About IT Certifications Than Disagree
15%
27%
21%
20%
13%
6%
5%
41%
27%
32%
33%
28%
32%
21%
42%
43%
45%
46%
58%
59%
73%
Staff holding IT certifications are
more valuable to the organization
Retention is higher among staff with IT
certifications than non-certified staff
The organization is more secure from malware
and hackers due to staff with IT certifications
Staff with IT certifications perform at a
higher level than non-certified staff
Staff with IT certifications have proven expertise
Teams of staff with IT certifications benefit from
having a common foundation of knowledge
It’s important to test after training
to confirm knowledge gains
NET Disagree Neutral NET Agree
Note: Excludes Don’t Know responses
Base: 125 UK business and IT executives
Source: CompTIA International Technology Adoption and Workforce Issues study

18. Appendix

19. U.S. Member Profile
19
Respondent Profile
18%
Information Technology (IT) (e.g. hardware, software, IT
services, consulting, reseller, telecom, distributor)
12% Manufacturing (other than IT related)
11% Professional services (other than IT related)
10% Retail/Wholesale (other than IT related)
6% Healthcare/Medical
6% Financial/Banking/Insurance
2% Media/Publishing/Entertainment
7% Government (federal, state, local)
5%
AMTUC (Agriculture, Mining, Transportation, Utilities,
Construction)
8% Education
3% Hospitality
13% Other industry
Primary Industry
6% 1 – 4 employees
5% 5 – 9
11% 10 – 49
17% 50 – 99
31% 100 – 499
14% 500 – 999
16% 1,000 or more employees
Staff Size
Base: 1,256 business and IT executives from Brazil, Canada, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Middle East, Thailand and the UK
14%
Executive Management (CEO, President, Managing Director,
Owner, etc.)
16%
Senior Management – IT function (CIO, CSO, VP of IT-related
function, etc.)
20%
Middle Management – IT function (Director, Manager,
Team Leader etc.)
12% Staff level – IT function
7%
Senior Management – business function (CFO, VP, GM of
business function)
18%
Middle Management – business function (Director,
Manager, Team Leader etc.)
8% Staff level – business function
2% Business Consultant
3% IT Consultant
Job Role
95% Setting or influencing technology-related strategies*
94%
Installing or managing hardware, software, communications
and other technology*
94%
Purchasing or working with vendors, providers or
consultants of technology products and services*
82% Hiring or managing IT staff
Involvement in Tech (NET very + somewhat involved)
*To qualify for the survey, respondents had to be very involved or somewhat involved in
at least two of these areas, with the majority of respondents being very involved.
Note: A mix of industries, company sizes, and job roles
were targeted for this study.

20. Defining Core IT Occupations
• Computer Support Specialists
• Software Developers, Applications
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Software Developers, Systems Software
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer Programmers
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Information Security Analysts, Web Dev., and Computer Network Architects
• Computer Occupations, All Other
• Database Administrators
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Computer Support Specialists
For the purposes of this study, core IT occupations include positions related to the list below. In this study, certain
telecommunications occupations were excluded, such as positions responsible for installing or maintaining cellular
towers. Additionally, this study excludes ‘knowledge worker’ type positions, such as technical writer, graphic
designer or business analyst.

21. comptia.org
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