Top business leaders believe IT skills are more relevant to future generations than those currently in employment, a Microsoft survey has found.

The research was conducted through surveying 502 UK business decision leaders and the results were broken down according to the respondent’s position within the business.

The view was especially found among boardroom level leaders, who give more recognition to skills such as team working, interpersonal skills, flexibility, analysing, communication, organising and initiative. ICT skills were rated seventh in the most important skills required by businesses.

However the research found that when the respondents were asked which skills would be crucial for job success in ten years time, ICT skills were considered to be more important - although they still were rated behind team building and interpersonal skills.

The survey did not offer a breakdown into the type of businesses surveyed and their preferred skills.