Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 49 | Page 40

FEATURE: 2020 CIOS’ PRIORITY ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// With 2020 on the horizon we look at new trends and issues CIOs need to be mindful of in the new year. A new survey from ServiceNow has revealed some of the most pressing issues facing CIOs – including weaknesses in people and processes holding back Digital Transformation. In the second part of the article, we pay attention to what cybersecurity issues CIOs need to be aware of so they can remain as proactive as ever. Lastly, we ask one expert how the role of CIO is expected to evolve. W ith CIOs across EMEA reporting that digitisation is increasing the effectiveness of key business lines, including customer service, HR, finance, IT and legal, a large proportion face challenges in continuing that impact because of weaknesses in their organisations. That’s according to research from ServiceNow, a leading digital workflow company. The global survey of 516 CIOs conducted by Oxford Economics, reveals that around two-thirds (66%) have automated at least 50% of the processes and workflows in their organisation. By 2022, 96% of CIOs will have digitised at least half of their company’s workflows. However, CIOs are facing challenges in fully realising the potential impact of digitisation because of weaknesses in their organisation, which are undermining their digitisation strategies. “CIOs are playing a pivotal role in driving Digital Transformation strategies and their efforts are improving outcomes across multiple business areas, including HR, finance, IT and legal,” said Chris Pope, VP Innovation, ServiceNow. “Yet many CIOs are struggling to push through lasting benefits. “To really make an impact with a digitisation strategy, CIOs need to address the people and process aspects within their organisation. By addressing the challenges of cross-organisation collaboration, embedding IT within every business line and ensuring complete alignment of IT and business goals, CIOs will accelerate the realisation of benefits including innovation, better financial performance, and enhanced employee performance.” To advance digitisation and drive greater success across business functions, ServiceNow says CIOs should consider these five steps as being critical: Collaborating with C-suite peers: While 61% of CIOs say they collaborate with their company’s COO to standardise workflows through digitisation and 50% of CIOs say they collaborate with their CEOs, far fewer work with other executives. In fact, 21% say they alone are responsible for workflow digitisation. New year, new challenges 40 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com