The Transformative CIO: From Enabler To Leader
This white paper is hosted by SAPinsider and sponsored by WIS Executive Research Group.
In early 2018, WIS Executive Research Group (WIS-ERG) undertook a global
online survey of 125 chief information officers (CIOs) and 125 chief financial
officers (CFOs), in addition to interviews with six senior IT executives from
technology, manufacturing, the media, education, and financial services.
The purpose was to analyze their perceptions of the impact of digital
transformation on their roles and how they are deploying their skills to take
advantage of the opportunities offered by new technologies, such as data
analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Digital transformation is a demanding and exciting process for organizations,
and our findings reflect this. Findings include:
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- CIOs see the enormous potential for digital transformation, but most CIOs
are acting as enablers, not leaders of this initiative. - Only a third of CIOs have implemented an enterprise-wide digital
transformation strategy; the biggest effect of transformation efforts thus
far has been on sales. - They regard digital transformation as an opportunity to develop new skills,
especially in terms of understanding the needs of customers. Most initial
transformation projects are customer-focused and sponsored by sales and
marketing heads. - CIOs tend to be implementers of transformation, not leaders, which means
there is a significant opportunity for CIOs to enhance their role and be part
of the development of the strategy. - To play a more strategic role, technology executives have to focus on the
long-term goal of helping to transform their organizations and not become
deflected by the technologies of the moment.
