Priorities of CIOs: 10 challenges to meet in 2022


In 2022, CEOs and their boards will expect CIOs to build on their recent accomplishments in digital transformation. Whether it’s taking on new responsibilities, delivering a great customer experience, or building sustainable IT, here are 10 areas CIOs will need to focus on over the next 12 months.

1. Take responsibility for new areas of activity

A few years ago, CIOs tended to add new responsibilities to their job descriptions: in addition to information, it has become common to see CIOs take responsibility for technology, digital and products. . Some of these new areas of authority have enabled CIOs to respond to the rise of CDOs (chief digital and data officers). The past two years have helped CIOs prove their value to the business.

However, they will have to take on new responsibilities in the future. Many CIOs will help oversee the transition to hybrid work, so expect increased responsibilities in other areas such as facilities, personnel, and operations.

2. Take the customer experience to the next level

In 2021, CIOs focused on customer experience initiatives. From perfecting work-at-home programs to implementing new e-commerce channels, it was impossible to speak with CIOs without hearing about the importance of the customer experience, whether for internal users or customers. external customers.

Next year, the best CIOs will take their customer experience to the next level. They will target a wider ecosystem of partners, ranging from large tech companies to cutting edge start-ups. They will focus on how their organizations use data to deliver personalized products and services to customers.

3. Sell technology as a generator of value

For years, CIOs have been told they need to align with the rest of the business. But if they don’t play that role today, they probably got the wrong job. Technology is so embedded in the bottom line of the business that it would be impossible for an CIO to limit themselves to operational concerns.

IT managers have received great support for their attempts to accelerate digital transformation plans over the past two years. Now they need to do more and show how all kinds of technological innovation – from artificial intelligence to virtual reality – can help their business find new avenues to market with new revenue.

4. Adopt automation with caution

From robotic process automation to low code technologies, there is a whole host of tools that claim to make the application development process easier. But with automation comes a caveat: If these tools can ease the day-to-day load on IT teams, someone somewhere needs to make sure new applications meet strict standards for reliability and reliability. security.

Increased automation means IT pros will spend more time engaging and overseeing. Therefore, emphasis must be placed on training and development to ensure that your staff is ready to take on this change of responsibility.

5. Shaping the IT department of the future

With all the talk about automation and low code development, it would be easy to assume that the traditional work of the IT department is done. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, the tech team is set to change, but talented developers – who work alongside their business counterparts – remain a valuable and highly prized commodity.

To attract and retain IT staff, CIOs will need to seriously think about the opportunities they offer. Rather than being a place to go, work will become an activity that we do collaboratively, regardless of location. Give staff the flexibility and freedom they need.

6. Effectively manage data, security and governance

Digital transformation is really all about data. While digital transformation is hard to define, one thing is for sure: organizations continue to collect and use ever-increasing amounts of information. While CIOs are expected to get ahead and lead more value-creating projects, someone in the back office will need to ensure that data, security and governance are always covered.

The ongoing cyberthreat and the risk of financial and reputational damage in a successful attack mean that CIOs will need a top-level security officer or two, even though automation can reduce the onerous responsibilities of some. IT operational activities.

7. Start exploring the use cases of quantum technologies

From creating time crystals to discovering life on other planets, quantum technology at times seems closer to science fiction than board strategy. Quantum is often considered difficult to understand and even more difficult to put into practice. This is no reason not to explore your options, however. Across a range of fields – including quantum computing, communications and sensing – large tech companies and innovative start-ups are driving quantum advancements.

CIOs should start exploring use cases now, so they can explain to their boards how quantum might help answer some of their business’ biggest questions.

8. Think about how the metaverse will spread

Another trend that is getting a lot of attention is the metaverse. As with quantum, there is a lot of skepticism about it, but while true applications of quantum might take a decade or more to emerge, the basic metaverse technologies are already here. From virtual reality headsets to new types of contactless interfaces, leading companies are already making hesitant steps towards the metaverse.

With the world’s largest tech companies investing massive amounts of money in this area, CIOs can’t afford to stand back when it comes to exploring what might (perhaps, someday) be in the future. customer experience.

9. Keep your eyes on cloud computing trends

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the cloud work is done. CIOs have been helping their businesses implement cloud-based systems and services for over 10 years now. However, there is still a long way to go. Companies have rushed to implement more cloud services over the past two years, and CIOs will need to consolidate and develop these platforms next year and beyond.

Whether they opt for a multicloud or hybrid approach, analyst Gartner says most organizations (85%) will adopt the principle of “cloud first” within the next five years.

10. Make sustainable development an essential priority for the company

Growing fear of an impending climate catastrophe prompts companies to show concern for the environment. However, for many consumers, these efforts are more green laundering than real action. The information technology sector has a poor sustainability record. The IT sector currently accounts for around 3% of global carbon emissions. Data centers (45%), followed by communication networks (24%), are the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in this sector.

With more than three-quarters (79%) of consumers willing to change their purchasing preferences based on social responsibility, inclusion or environmental impact, CIOs should strive to put sustainable IT at the top of the game. core business of their business.

Source: ZDNet.com





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