GUEST RESEARCH: Logicalis, a leading global technology services provider, has released the tenth edition of its annual CIO Report, revealing that artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and cybersecurity remain top priorities for business leaders across Australia and the globe.
According to the research, which surveyed more than 1,000 chief information officers (CIOs) globally, 63% of Australian CIOs identify AI as the number one priority area for 2024, significantly above the global average of 55%. At the same time, 89% of respondents report substantial organisational demand for AI, with 94% of Australian CIOs establishing working groups dedicated wholly to the technology, seven per cent above the global average.
The report provides a clear view of the dynamic role of the CIO and its strategic importance in balancing innovation, security, and sustainability. After ten years of recording data, it’s clearer than ever that the insights offered are vital for companies aiming to achieve digital transformation and stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological and business landscape.
Anthony Woodward, chief executive officer, Logicalis Australia, said, “For ten years, the Logicalis CIO Report has been a barometer for the actions, ambitions, and priorities of global technology leaders, helping local CIOs keep tabs on what their peers prioritise and track how their own technology plans and ambitions have developed. Over time, there has been a shift in priorities towards sustainability and cybersecurity, with AI more recently emerging as a critical piece of the digital transformation puzzle.”
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern as this year’s report underscores the growing threats in the digital landscape and the need for hypervigilant security measures. 91% of Australian CIOs reported experiencing a cyberattack within the past year, eight per cent above the global average. The cybersecurity landscape is more complex than ever, and Australian CIOs report their top threats for 2024 include data breaches (50 per cent), phishing attacks (43%), and malware and ransomware (42%).
Anthony Woodward said, “It’s imperative for CIOs to champion comprehensive security strategies to safeguard their organisations against evolving cyber threats. Global and local insights can help business leaders determine their security posture and whether they need to weigh up costs pre- or post-incident. For example, it’s crucial for CIOs to understand if the requisite skills and capacity are available in-house to deliver an adequate level of organisational protection or if there’s a need to partner with a trusted managed services provider (MSP).”
Sustainability is another key focal point, with 92% of Australian CIOs reporting they have clear targets to reduce carbon emissions from IT, and 94% increasing their sustainability investments. The report illustrates the significant role CIOs play in driving environmental sustainability within their organisations and the need to integrate sustainable practices for long-term business viability.
Anthony Woodward said, “There is a pressing need for CIOs to embrace visionary leadership, and the importance of integrating technologies, such as AI, into business operations cannot be overstated. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, Australian CIOs are uniquely positioned to steer their organisations towards innovation while maintaining a robust technological foundation. For 10 years, the Logicalis CIO Report 2024 has been more than a useful analysis; it’s a roadmap for CIOs to navigate the complexities of the modern digital world.”
Other key findings from Australian CIOs include:
- 66% are apprehensive about the challenges of regulating AI
- 92% initiated formal AI policies and opportunities
- 89% endeavour to develop stronger employee skill sets in AI
- 90% have earmarked budgets solely for AI development and implementation
- 98% are investing in or planning to invest in private 5G
- 59% feel that their business isn’t fully equipped to handle another major security breach
- 62% have experienced or anticipated digital transformation projects being cancelled or delayed due to cost constraints
- 96% believe IT is core to the success of their organisation’s sustainability goals
- 91% struggle to analyse performance across their digital footprint.
For more information and to read the full Logicalis CIO Report 2024 for Australia, visit https://www.au.logicalis.com/cio-report
About Logicalis:
We are Architects of Change™.
We help organisations succeed in a digital-first world.
At Logicalis, we harness our collective technology expertise to help our clients build a blueprint for success so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter. Our lifecycle services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration, and security are designed to help optimise operations, reduce risk, and empower employees.
As a global technology service provider, we deliver next-generation digital managed services, to provide our clients with real-time visibility and actionable insights across the performance of their digital ecosystem including availability, user experience, security, economic performance, and sustainability.
Our 7000+ ‘Architects of Change’ are based in 30 territories around the globe, helping our 10,000+ clients across a range of industry sectors create sustainable outcomes through technology.
Logicalis has annualised revenues of $1.7 billion from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa.
For more information, visit www.logicalis.com