Artificial Intelligence is the number one priority area for CIOs (Chief Information Officers) in 2024 and 89% are actively seeking opportunities to incorporate AI capabilities into their companies. The enthusiasm for AI integration goes beyond the IT function, with 87% of respondents reporting substantial demand from across their organizations for the technology. In response, CIOs are moving rapidly:  

• 87% have established working groups dedicated wholly to AI 
• 86% have committed to developing stronger AI skill sets among employees 
• 85% have earmarked budgets solely for AI development and implementation

The data comes from the CIO Report survey conducted by Logicalis, a global IT solutions and services company. The study interviewed 1,000 business and technology leaders from 14 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

“The role of the CIO is rapidly evolving to spearhead the integration of AI within IT, navigating the landscape of emerging AI solutions, while capitalizing, on opportunities for innovation and efficiency. While challenges such as data governance and talent acquisition may arise, CIOs are strategically positioning their departments to navigate these hurdles and unlock future opportunities, ensuring their organizations, remain at the forefront of technological advancement,” Fadi Barghouthy, Senior Director Partner Technology at Microsoft, said.

With sustainability ascending strategic agendas, CIOs face growing pressures to limit environmental impacts amid traditional demands to control costs. “By assertively supporting the business in balancing environmental priorities with profits, tech leaders demonstrate the belief that what is good for the planet can align with business performance. This year, that recognition has shifted into action with 92% of CIOs ramping up sustainability investments,” the report highlights. “Perhaps the most encouraging finding is that 96% of CIOs say their function is involved in their company’s overall sustainability planning and target setting, and a significant 59% say their function is integral to the process.”

According to the research, 93% believe IT is core to the success of their organization’s sustainability goals and respondents are walking the talk, with 89% confirming they have clear targets to reduce carbon emissions from IT along with a roadmap to actually achieve those reductions. “But despite the progress, there are still barriers standing in the way, including lack of clarity on priorities and difficulties in collecting comprehensive data,” the authors alert.

—

Source: Logicalis CIO Report 2024