IT leaders are moving into a brand new period, shifting from reactive drawback fixing to proactively constructing the longer term. In response to a report from Canon Europe, IT job roles in 2025 will focus extra on strategic innovation, supported by sturdy partnerships with the totally different enterprise areas they serve. Whereas the street forward is thrilling, it’s not with out its challenges.
From tactical drawback solvers to strategic thinkers
Through the early phases of versatile working, IT leaders’ roles had been primarily characterised by resolving day-to-day operational points. Nonetheless the panorama has modified considerably. At this time, over three quarters (79%) of ITDMs really feel extra fulfilled of their job than ever earlier than[1], largely on account of a larger emphasis on strategic work.
For instance, in 2019 lower than a fifth of ITDMs (19%) reported dedicating vital time to IT technique, in comparison with virtually half (46%) at this time. Equally, the concentrate on automation has grown, enabling IT groups to optimise everyday operations, whereas driving productiveness, effectivity and profitability.
Nice tuning versatile working for the longer term
Whereas a lot progress has been made, versatile working stays a precedence for IT groups, as 98% of ITDMs proceed to prioritise the enhancement of distant and hybrid work set-ups.[2] Nonetheless, challenges have developed from merely protecting the ‘lights on’.
For IT leaders at this time, challenges centre round high-quality tuning the office to foster collaboration and productiveness. Practically half (47%) are targeted on higher integrating workplace infrastructure for seamless workflows.[3]
Versatile working has additionally intensified safety considerations. Safety has topped IT leaders’ listing of challenges, with versatile working fashions solely exacerbating these considerations. [4] In reality, 45% of respondents recognized it as a key space for funding in 2025.[5] Nonetheless, with extra headspace to suppose strategically in regards to the future, IT leaders are proactively addressing obstacles with new applied sciences as a substitute of reactive measures.
Strategic priorities for ITDMs in 2025
The experiences of the previous couple of years have outlined a forward-looking agenda for 2025, with over two thirds (68%) reporting a way of pleasure of their function.[6] Subsequent 12 months will likely be outlined by:
- AI Adoption: Over two thirds of ITDMs predicting AI will develop into their high funding precedence by 2025, up from 55% in 2019.[7]
- Automation: Anticipated to revolutionise the IT operate, liberating leaders from routine duties to concentrate on excessive worth initiatives. Greater than half of ITDMs (51%) see automation as a device to shift to extra strategic work and 50% observe it could allow quicker decision of worker points.[8]
- Sustainability: Whereas nonetheless area of interest, energy-efficient know-how is gaining traction, with 38% of ITDMs predicting it will likely be a key focus in 2025.[9]
Getting into a brand new proactive future for IT
As we shift into this new period, IT won’t solely adapt to the calls for of a versatile, digital first world however can have a hand in redefining what it means to guide in manufacturing, innovation and strategic influence.
Find out more about Canon’s Solutions.
[1] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024
[2] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024
[3] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024
[4] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024
[5] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024
[6] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024
[7] Canon Europe, IT Transformation Barometer Report, 2024