2015/16
Australian CIO Viewpoint

Get an understanding of the key focus areas for Australian CIOs over the coming year, where their priorities lie and what the outlook is for the rapidly evolving technology sector.

Based on the survey responses, we’ve identified the following four key areas that CIOs will be focusing on through 2015 and into 2016.

Click a key point below to learn more

HEADCOUNT  

Contract and project-based roles are increasing, while the number of permanent roles decreases

BUDGET  

43% of respondents say their budget has increased this year

INFLUENCE  

Technology will help close the gap between various business units and CIOs will lead this change

OUTLOOK  

CIOs are looking to help their organisations take the next step towards full digitalisation

Headcount

  • Companies are increasing their headcount to help support large-scale transformation and digitalisation activities.
  • Much of this hiring is for fixed-term contract roles, seeking specialist skills to assist with the implementation phase of projects.
  • Senior roles that report directly to the CIO demand a balance between strong technical skills and business skills, helping to bridge the gap between capabilities and business units.
  • There's a high unmet demand for skilled female candidates. Increasingly clients will require candidate shortlists to include at least one female in an effort to meet diversity and inclusion targets.
  • Companies are making sincere efforts to retain their highly-skilled female employees. Strategies including improved maternity leave packages help make companies more attractive to the limited pool of candidates.

In your organisation, what is the expected change in level of technology staff over the next 12 months?

Would you consider recruiting international talent if you are unable to find the right talent locally?
 

Budget

  • Budget approvals from CEOs and CFOs have increased, more so than at any other time since 2008.
  • This uplift is driven by an increased business focus on digitalisation and transformation, and the critical role IT infrastructure will play in moving companies forward.
  • New budget resources are being allocated to fund increased headcount and the need for more advanced skill sets, which attract premium salaries.
  • To manage the associated costs, companies are relying on contract and temp workers to support implementation phases of projects.

Compared with the previous year, how has your budget changed?

What are the top areas you allocate your IT budget to?
 

Influence

  • The number of 'business solutions leads' have increased. These roles sit with each business unit to help improve current processes and drive business efficiencies and alignment.
  • These roles did not exist previously and report directly to the CIO.
  • This is indicative of the growing influence of CIOs and their teams over business direction and decision making, as well as the fundamental role that IT plays in supporting business functions.
  • CIOs are also being entrusted to take more a strategic lead within the organisation, and are exerting their influence over decisions related to operations, strategic direction, talent and resource planning and innovation, which almost always needs technical support to make an impact.

In terms of the scope of your role, are you making decisions that impact the overall company strategy?

What amount of time do you spend on the following activities in your current CIO role?
 

Outlook

  • CIOs' main focus going forward will be to continue increasing alignment between business strategy and operations, creating process efficiencies and continuing to tackle ever-evolving threats to technological security.
  • Ensuring adequate budget allocation to fund technological infrastructure and install the specialist talent required to implement projects will be an on-going concern.
  • As organisations continue to digitalise, they will demand more and more of an organisation's operating budget and will depend on their cross-departmental relationships to ensure buy-in.
  • The unique combination of skills and experience offered by the CIO will always have a place as the key touch-point between an organisation's technical and business sides, even with the rise of roles such as CDO.

What are the top four concerns/challenges faced by CIOs?

How do you think the technology job market will be in the next 12 months as compared to now?

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