CIOs are stretched more than ever before — and that’s a good thing

Nash Squared’s Digital Leadership Report Pulse also highlights the significance of innovation, reporting that the key priority for CIOs right now is to improve the efficiency of operations, typically through automation, AI, and better use of data. However, three in 10 CIOs also say revenue generation through technology is their top priority. Innovation, in short, must come with a side order of business benefits.

“Boards want technology to improve the top and bottom line, which can be a tough balance, even if it’s one that CIOs are getting used to managing,” says Nash Squared’s White. “On the one hand, they’re being asked to promote innovation and help generate revenue, and on the other, they’re often charged with governance and security, too.”

The importance of technology will only continue to increase going forward as well. Gen AI, for example, will make it possible to boost productivity while reducing costs. CyberArk’s Grossman expects the central role of digital leaders in exploiting these emerging technologies will mean high-level CIOs will be even more important in the future.