Mexico’s AI Growth Hampered by Talent Gaps, Says EY Report

AI adoption is expanding across Mexico’s corporate landscape, but a growing gap between expectations and execution underscores a critical shortage of specialized talent. Despite a professional services market in data analytics and AI valued at US$590 million in 2024, local companies are struggling to scale implementations due to this talent deficit, according to EY. 

“AI is not a magic wand, but it can be a competitive advantage if companies invest appropriately in talent, processes, and data,” said Jaume Sués Caula, Representative, EY.

EY estimates that Mexico has approximately 10,900 professionals with more than two years of experience in AI and data analytics. However, only around 1,100 meet the criteria for high specialization — a significant shortfall in a country where AI adoption among large enterprises continues to accelerate. To meet future demand and remain competitive globally, Mexico will need to increase this specialized talent pool sevenfold by 2028.

This shortfall is further aggravated by high employee turnover, low compensation levels, and geographic concentration. The majority of qualified professionals are located in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Queretaro, limiting access to technical capabilities in other regions.

A 2024 EY survey of Mexican technology executives highlights another pressing challenge: business leaders increasingly seek AI partners with proven use cases and sector-specific expertise. Rather than focusing on experimentation, CIOs prioritize measurable results aligned with core operations. The findings suggest AI must be a practical tool integrated into business processes—not an abstract goal.

In response, EY has adopted a different approach to talent development. Instead of recruiting from competitors, the firm collaborates with 14 technical universities nationwide to train students in their final semesters. These partnerships strengthen the pipeline of junior professionals by supplementing technical skills with business acumen, communication, and agile collaboration methodologies.

In the past year alone, EY has hired 500 graduates who completed its in-house training program. The firm believes this long-term strategy will better meet client needs while addressing structural limitations in Mexico’s AI workforce.