The definitive report on the state of the Íæż½ã½ã ¡ª published annually for over 24 Years, capturing the insights and trends shaping tech leadership Credit: Íæż½ã½ã The Íæż½ã½ã has never mattered more. As businesses shift from experimentation to execution in the age of AI, Íæż½ã½ãs are stepping into their most strategic role yet. Íæż½ã½ã’s annual State of the Íæż½ã½ã 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. What You’ll Learn: Top technology investments and business initiatives for 2025 How Íæż½ã½ãs are balancing innovation with operational demands Where AI is having the biggest impact on operations and customer engagement How Íæż½ã½ãs are overcoming talent gaps and resourcing challenges Trends in reporting structures, influence, and stress levels Key findings Íæż½ã½ãs are leading the AI charge: 80% of Íæż½ã½ãs are responsible for researching and evaluating AI products, positioning them as central figures in their organizations’ AI strategies. Driving business growth through technology: Íæż½ã½ãs are increasingly being held accountable for business outcomes such as data monetization and improved customer experience. The CEO agenda is shaping the Íæż½ã½ã mandate: Íæż½ã½ãs are now expected to lead initiatives around AI, customer experience, and digital transformation. Evolving roles of the Íæż½ã½ã: Across regions and sectors, Íæż½ã½ãs are expanding their scope, with many managing more than one title. Strategic leadership beyond operations: While operational excellence remains important, 52% of Íæż½ã½ãs anticipate maintaining a strategic leadership focus over the next 3–5 years. View the report in PDF format, or click download to save a copy. FAQ 1. What is the biggest technology priority for Íæż½ã½ãs in 2025? AI and machine learning are the top technology priorities, with 42% of Íæż½ã½ãs indicating major investment and strategic focus in this area. 2. Are Íæż½ã½ãs still seen as technical leads or business strategists? A growing number (52%) view their role as strategic, shifting from traditional IT to leading innovation and digital transformation. 3. How are Íæż½ã½ãs addressing AI adoption? 80% of IT leaders are tasked with evaluating AI technologies, and 71% report that AI initiatives are tightly aligned with business goals. 4. What are the main challenges Íæż½ã½ãs face? Staffing and talent shortages, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, remain a significant hurdle, as cited by 54% of respondents. 5. What areas are Íæż½ã½ãs spending more time on in 2025? Besides AI/ML, Íæż½ã½ãs are focusing on cybersecurity, product innovation, and business strategy alignment. 6. What industries are leading AI investment? High-tech, healthcare, and financial services industries are the front-runners in prioritizing AI both internally and customer-facing. 7. How is IT budget allocation changing? Most companies (65%) plan to increase IT funding, particularly for AI/ML projects, infrastructure modernization, and security enhancements. 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