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The CIO has never mattered more. As businesses shift from experimentation to execution in the age of AI, CIOs are stepping into their most strategic role yet. CIO’s annual State of the CIO Survey, now in its 25th year, highlights how IT leaders shaping enterprise strategy, enabling growth, and leading cultural change. 

This year’s report, based on insights from 662 heads of IT and 249 line-of-business (LOB) professionals, reveals a significant pivot toward AI-driven innovation, customer experience, and data monetization.

Key findings: 

• CIOs are leading the AI charge: 82% of CIOs are responsible for researching and evaluating AI products, positioning them as central figures in their organizations’ AI strategies. 
• The CIO as an agent of change: 83% of IT leaders and 76% of LOB respondents agree that the CIO role has become a changemaker for their organization.  
• Influencing the board: In a nod to the increasing stature of the CIO role, 78% of IT leaders say they have a strong educational partnership with the CEO and the board.

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