The 2021 State of the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã research confirmed ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãs¡¯ pivotal role this past year, but can they live up to the high bar they¡¯ve established for themselves? Credit: ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã Welcome to the Spring 2021 digital issue of ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã. In these pages, we take a deep dive into our annual State of the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã research to understand the evolving role of the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã, including the areas where they are taking on new responsibilities, the top business initiatives driving IT investments, and some of the challenges ahead. Contents GROW Customer-focused IT: A key ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã imperative The pandemic amplified the need to reach customers through digital channels. Here’s how IT leaders in nearly every industry are responding. LEAD Building on IT’s business cred IT leaders seek to leverage political capital cultivated during the COVID-19 outbreak to further cement IT as business co-creators. Here’s how to focus on what matters most. COVER STORY The ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã’s next balancing act: Sustaining success The 2021 State of the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã survey confirmed ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãs’ pivotal role during the COVID-19 crisis, but can they live up to the high bar they’ve established for themselves? VIDEO 2021 State of the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãs Sarah Naqvi from HMSHost and Nathan Rogers from SAIC join host John Gallant to unpack the results of ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã.com’s exclusive 2021 State of the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã survey and share insights from their own IT leadership challenges and goals. RUN 5 myths of IT culture change To drive digital transformation, IT organizations must embrace change. Ineffective or outdated notions of what it takes can derail success. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe