Are Canadian CIOs still optimistic about the year ahead? The 2021 CanadianCIO Census found 79 per cent of CIOs were somewhat or very optimistic about the next 12 months.
Many CIOs said they were feeling hopeful due to an increase in their business influence and advances in digital transformation brought on by the pandemic. At the same time, their top priority was to protect their organizations from cyber security attacks.
While the focus on cyber security is unlikely to wane, CIOs face several new or increasingly concerning challenges: a potential recession, a severe skills shortage and, at last, preparations for the return to work for some employees.
How will these new challenges affect the priorities and outlook for CIOs? ITWC is seeking your input as we launch the 2022 CanadianCIO Census.
Building the truly digital enterprise
As in past years, the Census will cover all aspects of the CIO’s role, from spending to technology issues. It will reveal what worries CIOs, what technologies are hot or not, how they see the future unfolding and what they’re doing to prepare for what comes next. It will also pinpoint which IT skills are the most difficult to find in Canada today.
There are a few new questions this year. For example, we want to know about your challenges and plans to manage the hybrid workforce. Many IT leaders are reporting that, given the skills shortage, they’re becoming more involved in employee retention strategies.
As well, although most say that digital transformation has progressed rapidly, the survey seeks your view as to whether your organization has a data-driven culture. A 2020 KPMG study found that one in four Canadian technology leaders think their use of digital tools and tech is having little to no effect in driving true business value.The Census will help us determine whether there has been progress over the last two years.
The only Canadian research of its kind
The annual CanadianCIO Census is the only study to provide a snapshot of the IT industry in Canada. “We want to capture a complete picture to provide value to you. It’s a great way to benchmark your IT organization and to gain practical insights for the future,” said Jim Love. “This information is invaluable as CIOs turn their attention to recovery and the way forward.”
The survey takes about 25 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential. The first 100 CIOS to complete the survey will receive $50, and participants will be invited to a special briefing before the Census Report is released. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Canada’s IT leaders who generously take the time to complete the survey,” said Love.
A comprehensive report on the survey results will be released later this fall.
