Keep Your Balance: The 2002 CIO Agenda

Section 4. All regions feel the pinch but react differently
Business trends affecting four regions (North America, Europe Asia/Pacific, and Latin America) are very similar this year, although responses vary by region. For example, only in Latin America do IT budgets appear to be increasing slightly. IS management priorities are also similar around the globe. For example, the survey respondents say closer business linkage is a universal priority. But regional technology priorities vary, reflecting the tussle between security, content management, and infrastructure.

Section 5. Your CIO role continues to become more business-critical
The survey showed that recent CIO successes involved delivering business-enabling technologies while augmenting organizational development and strategic goals. When asked about their career aspirations, CIOs said they expect to continue their career in IT-enabling roles, either progressing in CIO roles, or in other general business roles. However, one thing is clear. They expect their role to become increasingly business critical in the future.

Section 6. 2002 requires short-term actions, but position for the upturn
Your IS leadership challenges are to keep the ship afloat in the short-term while navigating for the long-term need. That requires you to balance two priorities: Timely actions and ongoing IS leadership development are not sufficient. You also need an environment that supports good short-term and longer-term decision-making. Two actions are recommended: