The Technology Trends for 2025 report by O’Reilly highlights a significant shift in technology trends, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. Interest in AI-related skills, especially in prompt engineering, AI principles, and generative AI, has surged. However, there was a noticeable 13% decline in interest specifically for GPT, indicating a pivot away from platform-specific skills towards foundational knowledge applicable across AI models like Claude, Gemini, and Llama. This transition underscores AI’s evolution from a generative tool to a transformative force reshaping the development landscape.
Mike Loukides, vice president of emerging technology content at O’Reilly, emphasized that AI’s role is shifting beyond just generative capabilities. As foundational AI skills gain prominence, professionals must prioritize upskilling to integrate these technologies effectively into their operations. Loukides also noted that AI’s potential is not something to fear in terms of job displacement but should be harnessed to drive innovation and productivity across industries.
In addition to AI, there is growing interest in cybersecurity topics such as governance, risk, and compliance, with a marked increase in content related to application security and the zero-trust model. These trends reflect a shift towards more robust security measures, with a particular focus on strict authentication and comprehensive security strategies. Security certifications like CISSP and CompTIA Security+ remain the most popular recognized credentials in the field.
Thomson Reuters’ chief people officer noted that AI tools are shifting focus toward higher-value tasks, placing greater emphasis on soft skills like adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leadership. As demand for AI skills continues to rise, upskilling in these areas will be critical for professionals to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
Moreover, an Info-Tech Research Group report emphasized the need for employers to craft plans that identify the AI skills their organizations require, both general and specific, while also incorporating soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
AI is expected to be a major factor in talent trends in 2025, especially as employers continue to integrate AI into their operations. However, concerns about potential laws regulating AI usage, particularly in the hiring process, could impact the adoption of these tools. As AI reshapes the workforce, upskilling and strategic talent planning will become more important than ever.
