Digital transformation is not an IT project

According to Deloitte, while 85% of CEOs accelerated digital initiatives during the pandemic, most cannot articulate their overall strategy and track their progress. This necessitates a restructuring of IT decision organisation whereby different technological functions are integrated within core IT.

While many organisations have a digital strategy, they lack the ability to strategize across functions, making it challenging to address opportunities and risks. This is because a single technology will not address the organisations’ needs, rather a complex set of technological solutions are needed.

Most importantly, organisations must acknowledge the business side of digital transformation rather than addressing it as a purely technological issue. Finally, when making technology decisions, communicating effectively across different IT functions is essential for the smooth functioning of digital technology.

The role of technology decision-makers has become more critical than ever as the digital business transformation evolves. Technology leaders are taking on additional responsibilities to ensure their organisation’s digital focus comes to fruition. The most important point is that departments can no longer afford to remain siloed.

As business models change and technology advances, rolling out collaboration tools for effective communication becomes necessary. IT and technology leaders must consider what tools and processes would boost cross-departmental collaboration. Supporting teams during shared projects, monitoring workflows and forming a framework where multiple business counterparts are involved in decision making is sure to boost inter-organisational collaboration.

According to Gartner in 2021, $170 billion is forecast to be spent on IT in 2022 within the region. As GCC countries continue their efforts to migrate from oil-exporting economies to a knowledge-based economy, IT growth will be one of the main opportunities this coming year.

The UAE’s ICT Information Communication Technology strategy involves the deployment of secure cloud infrastructure and data storage across all industries. Additionally, investments in AI will continue to grow as the region explores opportunities for innovation.

Principal challenges for decision makers

• Most challenges that IT leaders may face in 2022 are related to the integration of AI and Intelligent Automation systems within organisational culture. Although the Middle East is expected to receive 2% of total global AI benefits in 2030, equating to $320 billion, AI comes with a unique set of challenges.
• AI and Intelligence Automation systems often face issues with maintainability, scalability and governance, which makes them a challenge for most organisations.
• A strong business plan and a deep understanding of the objectives behind implementation is necessary for success. Additionally, despite companies making investments in digital technologies, legacy infrastructure impedes the ability to fully unlock digital opportunities.
• Organisations must work to consolidate technology environments with core IT to reap the benefits of cost reduction and seamless integration that digital transformation can bring about.

Key Takeaways 

• According to Deloitte, while 85% CEOs accelerated digital initiatives during the pandemic, most cannot articulate their overall strategy.
• Restructuring of IT decision organisation is necessitated whereby different technological functions are integrated within core IT.
• While many organisations have a digital strategy, they lack ability to strategize across functions, making it challenging to address opportunities and risks.
• This is because a single technology will not address the organisations’ needs, rather a complex set of technological solutions are needed.
• Organisations must acknowledge business side of digital transformation rather than addressing it as a purely technological issue.
• When making technology decisions, communicating effectively is essential for the smooth functioning of digital technology.
• The role of technology decision-makers has become more critical than ever as the digital business transformation evolves.
• The most important point is that departments can no longer afford to remain siloed.
• As business models change and technology advances, rolling out collaboration tools for effective communication becomes necessary.

IT decision makers must look at their career progression as a means to evolve and develop based on their skills, experience and desire to grow.