Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and
advisory, has recently published its CIO Priorities 2025
report. The report, based on findings from the firm's annual
research surveys, diagnostics, and executive interviews, highlights
IT's focus on foundational improvements in AI, cybersecurity, data
quality, and workforce strategies over the past year, and provides
insights on how CIOs can position their organisations to thrive in
an era of exponential technologies.
LONDON, Jan. 15,
2025 //PRNewswire/ -- In response to the accelerating
pace of technological disruption, Info-Tech Research Group, a
global leader in IT research and advisory, has unveiled
its CIO Priorities 2025 report, which outlines the
key strategies CIOs need to lead their organisations through the
complexities of AI-driven innovation and digital transformation.
The firm's comprehensive annual report provides actionable guidance
to help IT leaders balance emerging opportunities with proactive
risk management to drive sustainable growth.
Info-Tech's report emphasises that CIOs must evolve beyond
traditional IT management to become strategic drivers of
enterprise-wide transformation. By embracing emerging technologies
and fostering organisational agility, CIOs can not only mitigate
risks but also unlock new avenues for innovation and long-term
business success.
'In the UK, CIOs must continue to drive digital
transformation, navigating through an increasingly complex
economic, regulatory and security threat landscape,' says
Phil Brunkard, executive counselor
at Info-Tech Research Group, UK. 'To remain competitive, IT
leaders must focus on building resilient, adaptable teams and adopt
emerging technologies like AI effectively and responsibly. By
prioritising cybersecurity, data governance, and cross-functional
collaboration and skills development, CIOs can unlock new
opportunities for growth and long-term business value and
success.'
The CIO Priorities 2025 report is grounded in
extensive research, drawing from Info-Tech's Future of IT
2025 and IT Talent Trends 2025 surveys, as well as data
from the firm's IT diagnostics programs, including CEO-CIO
Alignment, CIO Business Vision, End User Satisfaction, IT Staffing
Assessment, and IT Management & Governance Diagnostics.
Additionally, 25 in-depth interviews with IT leaders offered
valuable insights into how organisations are setting and executing
their strategic priorities for the year ahead. This comprehensive
methodology ensures that the report delivers actionable, real-world
strategies tailored to the evolving challenges and opportunities
CIOs face today.
'CIOs have done well to drive digital transformation
by rescuing data from organisational silos and building resilient
information structures that facilitate productive engagement. Now
they need to continue that journey into the age of AI and
incorporate emerging technology to their own advantage,' says
Brian Jackson, principal research
director at Info-Tech Research Group and lead author of the report.
'In 2025, CIOs must evolve with their organisations and
help foster a virtuous cycle on a path to wisdom while defending
against the threats to knowledge.'
The Key Priorities Identified for CIOs in 2025
Based
on Info-Tech's research findings, five priorities were revealed as
the top areas IT should focus on for the coming year in order to
compete and mitigate risk in an era of rapid technological
change:
- Distribute Data and AI Access Across the
Organization
Ensuring high data quality is essential for AI
effectiveness. CIOs must implement rigorous data governance
frameworks to improve data accuracy and reliability, empowering
teams to leverage AI responsibly while preventing data silos and
security risks.
CIOs are advised to democratise access to data and AI capabilities
to foster innovation. Establishing robust data governance and clear
AI strategies will empower teams to utilise AI tools responsibly
while mitigating risks like data silos and security
vulnerabilities.
- Develop a Future-Proof Workforce
CIOs must foster a
knowledge-centric culture by upskilling employees and encouraging
knowledge-sharing across teams. This approach enhances workforce
adaptability and drives informed decision-making in the face of
disruptive technologies.
Upskilling and reskilling employees are essential to closing talent
gaps in AI and cybersecurity. CIOs are encouraged to prioritise
internal talent development through comprehensive education and
training programs, enhancing workforce adaptability and
engagement.
- Extend Identity Assurance with Zero Trust Security
With the rise of AI-driven cyberattacks, it is strongly recommended
that organisations adopt zero-trust security models that emphasise
continuous identity verification. Strengthening Identity and Access
Management (IAM) systems and employee security training are
critical steps in fortifying defences.
- Proactively Mitigate Emerging Technology Risks
CIOs must adopt principle-based risk management strategies to
proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with rapidly
evolving technologies, including AI and quantum computing. Early
risk assessment will enable smoother adoption and sustained
innovation.
- Build Exponential Product Teams to Drive AI
Adoption
CIOs should actively engage business leaders to align IT
initiatives with broader organisational goals. Cross-functional
product teams not only accelerate AI deployment but also position
IT as a strategic partner driving measurable business outcomes.
Fostering cross-functional collaboration through product-centric
teams accelerates AI deployment and ensures alignment with business
objectives. This approach breaks down traditional silos,
streamlines development, and maximises AI-driven value.
Info-Tech's CIO Priorities 2025 report offers CIOs
practical strategies to balance innovation with responsible
governance. From implementing zero-trust security frameworks to
fostering a data-driven culture, these insights empower
organisations to seize new opportunities while proactively managing
risks.
For exclusive and data-driven commentary from Info-Tech's
analysts and experts, including Brian
Jackson, and access to the complete CIO Priorities
2025 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.
About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research
Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory
firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The
company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides
advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and
well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has
partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they
need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they
deliver measurable results for their organisations.
To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean &
Company for HR research and advisory
services and SoftwareReviews for software buying
insights.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to
research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry
analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access,
contact pr@infotech.com.
For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the
latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via
LinkedIn and X.
Media Contact: Sufyan Al-Hassan,
Senior PR Manager, Info-Tech Research Group,
salhassan@infotech.com, +1 (888) 670-8889 x2418
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