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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 24th year of publishing, highlights how IT leaders shaping enterprise strategy, enabling growth, and leading cultural change. 

This year’s report, based on insights from over 900 heads of IT and 250 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: 80% of CIOs are responsible for researching and evaluating AI products, positioning them as central figures in their organizations’ AI strategies.  
• Driving business growth through technology: CIOs are increasingly being held accountable for business outcomes such as data monetization and improved customer experience.  
• The CEO agenda is shaping the CIO mandate: CIOs are now expected to lead initiatives around AI, customer experience, and digital transformation.  
• Evolving roles of the CIO: Across regions and sectors, CIOs are expanding their scope, with many managing more than one title.  
• Strategic leadership beyond operations: While operational excellence remains important, 52% of CIOs anticipate maintaining a strategic leadership focus over the next 3–5 years.