Companies are gearing up to significantly increase their investments in artificial intelligence (AI) skills and security governance initiatives in the forthcoming year, according to the latest research from O’Reilly, detailed in their Technology Trends for 2025 report. This analysis draws on data from 2.8 million users using O’Reilly's learning platform, providing a detailed snapshot of current and emerging trends in the tech industry.
The findings indicate a remarkable uptick in interest in various AI skills. Notably, prompt engineering has surged by 456%, while learning about AI principles has increased by 386%. Generative AI, a hot topic in the field, saw a substantial rise of 289%. Among these trends, there was also a significant 471% rise in engagement with content about GitHub Copilot, a tool designed to assist developers in their coding tasks.
In contrast, some AI-related topics appear to be declining in popularity. O’Reilly noted a 13% decrease in the usage of GPT technologies, suggesting a shift in focus among developers. As reflected in the report, “developers are prioritising foundational AI knowledge over platform-specific skills to effectively navigate across various AI models such as Claude, Google’s Gemini, and Llama.” This shift signals a growing trend towards understanding the broader landscape of AI technologies rather than just individual platforms.
Security governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) have also emerged as focal points of interest, with a 44% rise in content consumption related to these areas. Additionally, application security saw a 17% increase, while the concept of zero trust—a cybersecurity approach—rose by 13%. These trends indicate that businesses are recognising the importance of robust security strategies as they integrate AI technologies.
The report includes other significant observations, such as a 29% increase in the demand for data engineering skills, while both Python and Java have experienced a decline in popularity. Interest in cloud computing has plateaued, suggesting that the landscape of programming languages and platforms is evolving.
Mike Loukides, vice president of emerging technology content at O’Reilly and the author of the report, reflected on the current phase of technological evolution, stating, “This year marks a pivotal transition in technology, with AI evolving from generative capabilities to a transformative force reshaping how developers approach their craft.” Loukides emphasised the importance of upskilling within organisations: “As foundational skills gain prominence and organisations increasingly adopt comprehensive security practices, professionals must prioritise upskilling to effectively integrate these tools into their operations.”
He concluded by suggesting that rather than fearing AI’s effects on employment, businesses should focus on harnessing its potential to enhance productivity and spur innovation across various sectors. The implications of these findings point to a future where AI capabilities play a crucial role in shaping both technological competencies and business practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services