CIOs cement leadership role as they remain consumed with core modernization and transformation, yet their maturing leadership role wields an impact well beyond IT. In a year tilted towards foundational work and getting digital operations in order, CIOs are balancing the persistent focus on transformation and modernization with a maturing leadership role, embracing responsibilities outside of the traditional IT domain and cementing status as a valued and strategic partner to the business.

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Even with the pandemic-era shift to remote and hybrid work and new digital experiences well underway, IT organizations remain heavily immersed in modernization efforts to streamline operations, transform the existing IT estate, and sync technology initiatives with core business goals. The years-long cycle of accelerated digital transformation has demanded active oversight by technology leaders to ensure investments are delivering as intended. Recent economic and geopolitical challenges have prompted organizations across most industries to prioritize cost management and performance optimization. Both dynamics have kept CIOs’ focus on operations even while their leadership role expands in preparation for the next wave of digital innovation

CIOs and IT leaders are making significant headway on modernizing the IT estate in preparation for the next cycle of digital innovation, they will continue to stay focused on the fundamentals, from modernizing enterprise architecture to ensuring operations are agile, resilient, and secure.