71% of Corporate Directors Say Boards Lack AI Skills

Corporate boards are struggling to keep pace with artificial intelligence developments, with a significant majority of directors acknowledging critical skills gaps in their oversight capabilities.

According to PwC's 2026 Annual Corporate Directors Survey released Wednesday, 71% of public company board members identified artificial intelligence as the top skill area their boards need to strengthen. That figure represents more than twice the percentage of directors who cited technology and digital transformation—the second-highest response—as a priority development area.

The survey, conducted between March and May 2026, polled directors serving on public company boards about their preparedness and capabilities.

Why it matters

The findings underscore a widening gap between the pace of AI adoption in business operations and board-level expertise to govern these technologies effectively. As companies integrate AI into core functions—from customer service to strategic decision-making—directors without adequate technical fluency face mounting challenges in fulfilling fiduciary duties around risk management, compliance, and strategic oversight. This skills deficit could expose organizations to governance failures precisely when AI-related decisions carry heightened regulatory, reputational, and operational stakes.

Boards face mounting pressure

The survey results arrive amid growing scrutiny of corporate AI governance. The report references recent calls for slower AI development following what it describes as "a series of rogue AI attacks," though specific incidents were not detailed in the available text.

The skills gap extends beyond general technology literacy. While digital transformation and broader technology capabilities ranked as the second-most cited deficiency, the AI-specific concern drew responses at more than double that rate—suggesting directors view artificial intelligence as requiring distinct expertise rather than falling under general tech competency.

Implications for board composition

The survey findings point to potential shifts in board recruitment and development priorities. Organizations may need to accelerate efforts to add directors with AI and machine learning backgrounds, or invest significantly in upskilling existing board members through specialized training programs.

The challenge is particularly acute for public companies, which face investor pressure to demonstrate responsible AI governance while navigating an evolving regulatory landscape. Directors unable to ask informed questions about AI systems, understand algorithmic risks, or evaluate AI-related strategic proposals may struggle to meet their oversight obligations.

These details were first reported by Bloomberg Law based on PwC's 2026 Annual Corporate Directors Survey.