As we become ready to step into 2025, technology leaders, particularly Chief Information Officers (CIOs), find themselves in the chasm of a transformative period. The role of the CIO has been evolving, with a shift from a strongly operational focus to one that is increasingly strategic. This shift will rapidly accelerate because of the need to align technology initiatives closely with business goals, ultimately facilitating business transformation and growth in an ever-more complex and dynamic environment.
A strategic shift in focus
CIOs are expected to take on a significantly more strategic role within their organisations to play a pivotal part in shaping the business’s overall direction. The integration of technology into every facet of business operations has made it imperative for CIOs to possess a robust understanding of communication patterns, collaborative dynamics and the primary concerns within their organisations.
This strategic shift is accentuated in a recent report which shows that 28% of EMEA CIOs say delivering value, reporting and demonstrating ROI are primary professional concerns. By aligning IT strategies with broader business objectives, CIOs can ensure that technology investments deliver maximum value and support long-term success. This alignment requires a deep understanding of the business’s needs and the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging trends and challenges.
Cybersecurity and compliance: A growing concern
As threats become more complex, European CIOs, in particular, feel the pressure to enhance their cybersecurity measures. This is being further intensified with the introduction of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Network and Information Systems (NIS2) Directive, which mandate stricter cybersecurity requirements for organisations, and a new layer of compliance complexity – compliance of their supply chains.. And which also brings increased personal liability for CIOs and the entire CSuite and board.
For organisations to become compliant, DORA and NIS2 will require organisations to secure their own operations and also to scrutinise their supply chains to ensure they too are compliant. This added layer of complexity makes cybersecurity a top priority for CIOs in the coming year – especially for those who’s organisations aren’t aware they are affected because of where they are in the supply chain. To address the skills gap in this field and to demonstrate their ability to be compliant, many organisations are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate and enhance their cybersecurity operations. AI’s ability to detect and respond to threats in real time is proving to be a critical tool in the fight against cybercrime.
Embracing advanced technologies for business transformation
Beyond cybersecurity, the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, automation, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and sustainability initiatives are poised to have a profound impact on business operations. These technologies are not just tools for improving efficiency; they are catalysts for significant business transformation.
For CIOs, staying abreast of these disruptive technologies is crucial. In the same survey 35% of respondents said they needed more information about cybersecurity automation and 29% about AI. By fostering a culture of awareness and resilience within their organisations, they can ensure that their teams are prepared to leverage these technologies effectively. In fact over 20% of respondents ranked the need to improve IT and organisational resilience as key to ensuring business success in the face of these technological advancements.
The importance of collaboration
Collaboration remains a key area for improvement as we move into 2025. Effective collaboration, both within and between departments, is crucial for aligning business objectives and optimising investments. CIOs must work closely with their peers in the C-suite to ensure that technology strategies support the overall business strategy.
Moreover, integrating customer feedback into service improvement strategies is vital for maintaining high service quality and satisfaction. By prioritising collaboration and customer-centric approaches, CIOs can drive continuous improvement and innovation within their organisations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2024 marked a pivotal year for CIOs and technology leaders as they navigate an increasingly complex landscape. The need for adaptive strategies that bolster resilience, align with business objectives and foster collaborative partnerships has never been greater. As technology continues to evolve, CIOs must embrace these changes strategically to drive transformation and ensure sustained success for their organisations.
- Read more about the evolving role of the CIO and the importance of c-suite collaboration in Palo Alto Network’s report here.
