The CIO and the Digital Challenge

Abstract

Digital native organisations are setting new rules and expectations around Information Technology. Not only they are disrupting industries and business models, but also the IT practice itself. Their methods and standards are discontinuing older, established enterprise IT disciplines (like project management, system design, etc.). CIOs and the IT functions, in traditional organisations, are challenged daily by the increased expectations of CEOs and board members. Business leaders are accustomed to consumer technology standards, and want to innovate their business accordingly. Because of it, IT departments sometimes lag behind digital transformation programs. This chapter isolates and analyses five major changes factors impacting the IT practice: (1) Pull - driven development ; (2) Higher speed ; (3) Technology democracy ; (4) New suppliers ecosystem and (5) Social nature of digital. These elements push for new vision, behaviour and leadership from CIOs and IT professionals. They also suggest a consequent adaptation of IT practices and strategies to overcome the change. Information Technology traditionally runs enterprise resources and assets, including its wealth of data. The commitment of the IT function is mandatory for succeeding in any meaningful, long term innovation journey. This chapter offers new options and views for those CIOs and IT professionals deciding to undertake a challenging change process.

The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer company.