CIOs see IT projects growing in complexity

CIOs think IT will become more complicated as the world faces more political and economic instability, a report by Harvey Nash and KPMG has revealed.

The businesses asked almost 4,500 CIOs and tech leaders about the challenges that are making their job harder, and nearly two-thirds believe IT projects are more complicated than they were five years ago, which makes them more likely to fail overall.

Almost half of those questioned said weak ownership was the main problem related to failed projects, while an overly optimistic approach and unclear objectives were cited as other major factors contributing to failure. Lack of skills was also viewed as a problem, especially those in the project management sector.

"Making a success of technology has always been challenging, and this year's survey says that it has just got harder still," said Albert Ellis, CEO of Harvey Nash Group.

"Layered on top of astonishing advances in technology is a political and economic landscape that is dynamic and changing fast, sometimes in surprising ways. However, what is very clear is that many technology executives are turning this uncertainty into opportunity, driving their organisation to become more nimble and digital."

Because of this changing world, the role of the CIO is changing and they are becoming the go-to person for CEOs and the board who need to understand the risks and the opportunities presented when adopting new technologies.

Their roles are also changing dramatically in other ways, with CIOs at digitally-led companies twice as likely to be leading innovation across the business compared to less forward-thinking businesses. Investment is also four times higher in 'transformative' firms, the survey found.

"Organisations have moved on from a world of strategising and talking about digital, to one in which they are actually making it happen, and we are now seeing widespread and active implementation," said Lisa Heneghan, KPMG's global head of technology.

"The businesses we see as digital leaders are taking a pragmatic approach, applying technology and automation across their business, including in back office functions, to create a platform for broader transformation."

The report also revealed the male/female salary divide is closing, with female CIOs more likely to have recieved a salary increase in the last 12 months compared to their male counterparts. However, women comprise just 9% of the sector being females.