How Torchbearer CIOs Illuminate Opportunities

How Torchbearer CIOs Illuminate Opportunities

The difference between torchbearer and market follower CIOs comes down to understanding the business and its customers—and providing ways to meet their needs.

50% of global CIOs are preparing for an influx of new entrants/competitors from other industries, up from 42% who were doing so in 2013.

Insight/intelligence: 85%, Front office digitization: 83%, Skills development: 80%, Internal collaboration: 73%, Enterprise integration/optimization: 73%

Industry convergence: 63%, Rising cyber-risk: 56%, The “anywhere” workplace: 55%

Mobile solutions: 71%, Cloud computing and services: 66%, Internet of things (IoT): 61%, Cognitive computing: 40%, Advanced manufacturing tech: 21%

76% of CIOs feel that potential shortcomings in IT security is creating immense business risks, while 38% cite the possibility of regulatory compliance violations.

90% of “Torchbearer” CIOs are focused on reaching the market first through agile innovation, compared to just 36% of “Market Follower” CIOs who are determined to do this.

75% of Torchbearer CIOs use analytics to produce business insights, but only 39% of Market Follower CIOs can claim the same.

75% of Torchbearer CIOs are identifying new customer segments, while just 44% of Market Follower CIOs are doing so.

70% of Torchbearer CIOs acknowledge they must form partnerships to exploit emerging tech, as opposed to only 56% of Market Follower CIOs who do.

91% of Torchbearer CIOs are increasing their investment into developing IT skills required for the future, but just 77% of Market Follower CIOs are doing the same.