Many tech leaders’ influence in the C-suite is growing, new Deloitte research suggests

In the survey, which aimed to understand tech leaders’ near-term priorities and the characteristics they believe are necessary to help address today’s most pressing business issues, respondents indicate that tech leaders today face a balance of owning operational responsibilities and driving business outcomes. In addition to more conventional tech leader responsibilities such as providing expert internal technology support (55%) and mitigating risk (50%), many respondents also consider it their responsibility to enable transformation and innovation (59%), deliver topline value (57%), and serve as a change agent (54%).

Respondents’ top priorities include staying ahead of emerging technologies and solutions; embracing the potential of data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning; and mitigating cybersecurity risks and preventing cyber incidents and attacks. However, despite the growing focus on AI, only roughly one-third (35%) of the tech leaders surveyed rank embracing the potential of AI, data, analytics, and machine learning as their No. 1 priority.

The survey data suggests that more organizations may be recognizing tech leaders’ role in helping to shape future-ready organizations, ensuring that technology continues to be a cornerstone of business innovation and growth.

Research and analysis by the Deloitte CIO Program