Low Digital Readiness Risks Mexico’s Competitiveness: EY

Mexico’s private sector reports a digital maturity level of 41.7% in 2025, according to EY’s latest Digital Maturity Study, well below the 70% benchmark considered necessary for global competitiveness. Conducted in partnership with Needed Education, the American Chamber of Commerce, and KIO, the study assesses the adoption of digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, and data management across Mexican organizations.

“The business sector requires not only a greater volume of technology professionals but also specialists in cybersecurity, supply chain, digital risk, and internal audit,” said José Luis Guasco, Consulting Partner, EY Global Delivery Services Mexico. The report is based on interviews with 30 Mexican CEOs and surveys of over 1,000 digital transformation leaders, with a focus on leadership readiness for AI integration.

The findings point to several structural challenges. Many firms collect large volumes of data but lack the capability to use it strategically. Digital progress is uneven; while marketing and e-commerce functions are more advanced, areas like human resources, finance, and data analytics continue to lag. Resistance to change, concerns about cost, and limited internal expertise are recurring barriers.

Evangelina Avendaño, Director General, EY GDS Mexico, said the organization addresses the country’s talent gap through continuous training and upskilling initiatives. “We use internal learning platforms and external partnerships to offer training in AI, robotics, supply chain, and soft skills,” she told MBN. 

The firm provides certifications to support employee growth across generations and specialties. With around 640 employees, EY GDS Mexico also offers flexible work schemes and international project exposure to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

“We follow a hybrid model focused on purposeful presence, with flexibility to work from anywhere,” Guasco said when asked about adapting to evolving employee expectations. “Our leadership removes barriers instead of directing, and career paths include technical roles, supporting diverse generational needs.” 

EY also employs proprietary AI tools to support talent acquisition. “Our solutions analyze job descriptions and resumes, rank candidates based on interview feedback, and maintain centralized records,” said Avendaño. “Final hiring decisions, however, remain human-led to ensure ethics and quality.”

EY’s findings emphasize that successful digital adoption depends on leadership alignment, cross-functional collaboration, and cultural change. Global AI investment is expected to double by 2028, reaching US$632 billion. Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, interest and funding in AI have surged, shifting corporate strategies toward practical integration, announced Gasco. 

The report underscores that AI is augmenting, not replacing, jobs. Sectors such as financial services, marketing, and e-commerce are ahead in adoption due to their focus on customer data. Automation is streamlining repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on higher-value activities. While autonomous AI applications exist, most organizations continue to rely on human oversight for decision-making.

Guasco noted that the pace of disruption is accelerating. “Generative AI and enterprise applications are redefining industries. Our internal tools provide dynamic insights and intelligent queries, enhancing decision-making. Within two to three years, Gen AI will drive new innovations and opportunities. Organizations must be ready to leverage this shift.”

The study also highlights the urgency of ethical AI use and responsible data management. Regulatory frameworks have not kept pace with the technology, raising concerns over the misuse of AI-generated content. EY continues to invest in proprietary platforms that mirror capabilities like ChatGPT while protecting client confidentiality.

To advance digital maturity, companies must modernize their talent strategies. Flexible work policies, inclusive environments, and clear development paths are increasingly critical, says the firm.