Adopt an Exponential IT Mindset

New technologies such as generative AI, quantum computing, 5G cellular networks, and next-generation robotics are ushering in an exciting new era of business transformation. By adopting an exponential IT mindset, IT leaders will be able to lead the autonomization of business capabilities.

To capitalize on this upcoming opportunity, exponential IT leaders will have to become business advisors who unlock exponential value for the business and help mitigate exponential risk.

Adopt a renewed focus on business outcomes to achieve autonomization

An exponential IT mindset means that IT leaders will need to take a lead role in transforming business capabilities.

Embrace an expanded role as business advisors: CIOs will be tasked with greater responsibility for determining business strategy alongside the C-suite.
Know the rewards and mitigate the risks: New value chain opportunities and efficiency gains will create significant ROI. Protect these returns by mitigating higher risks to business continuity, information security, and delivery performance.
Plan to fully leverage technologies such as AI: It will be integral for IT to enable autonomous technologies in this new era of exponential technology progress.

Adopt an Exponential IT Mindset Research & Tools

1. Adopt an Exponential IT Mindset Deck – An introduction to IT’s role in the autonomization era

The role of IT has evolved throughout the past couple generations to enable fundamental business transformations. In the autonomization era, it will have to evolve again to lead the business through a world of exponential opportunity.

Adopt an Exponential IT Mindset

Thrive through the next paradigm shift

Executive Summary

For more than 40 years, information technology has significantly transformed businesses, from the computerization of operations to the digital transformation of business models. As technological disruption accelerates exponentially, a world of exponential business opportunity is within reach.

Newly emerging technologies such as generative AI, quantum computing, 5G cellular networks, and next-generation robotics are enabling autonomous business capabilities.

The role of IT has evolved throughout the past couple generations to enable business transformations. In the autonomization era, it will have to evolve again. IT will have a new mission, an adapted governance structure, innovative capabilities, and an advanced partnership model.

CIOs embracing exponential IT require a new mindset. Their IT practices will need to progress to the top of the maturity ladder as they make business outcomes their own.

Over the past two generations, we have witnessed major technology-driven business transformations

1980s

Computerization

The use of computer devices, networks, and applications became widespread in the enterprise. The focus was on improving the efficiency of back-office tasks.

2000s

Digitalization

As the world became connected through the internet, new digitally enabled business models emerged in the enterprise. Orders were now being received online, and many products and services were partially or fully digitized for online fulfillment.

Recent pandemic measures contributed to a marked acceleration in the digitalization of organizations

The massive disruption resulting from pandemic measures led businesses to shift to more digital interactions with customers.

The global average share of customer interactions that are digital went from 36% in December 2019 to 58% in July 2020.

The global average share of customer interactions that are digital went from 36% to 58% in less than a year.*

Moreover, companies across business areas have accelerated the digitization of their offerings.

The global average share of partially or fully digitized products went from 35% in 2019 to 55% in July 2020.

The global average share of partially or fully digitized products went from 35% to 55% in the same period.*

The adoption of digitalized business models has accelerated during the pandemic. Post-pandemic, it is unlikely for adoption to recede.

With more business applications ported to the cloud and more data available online, “digital-first” organizations started to envisage a next wave of automation.

*Source: “How COVID-19 has pushed companies over the technology tipping point—and transformed business forever,” McKinsey & Company, 2020