IDC FutureScape: Worldwide CIO Agenda 2025 Predictions
This IDC FutureScape explores the key forces that will shape the future of CIO leadership over the next several years. "These predictions highlight the significant shifts IT organizations will face, emphasizing the crucial role CIOs will play in steering through challenges and seizing new opportunities," says Daniel Saroff, group vice president, Consulting and Research Services at IDC. "They serve as a road map for leaders to adapt, innovate, and drive their organizations forward in a rapidly changing technological landscape."
IDC FutureScape Figure
Executive Summary
IDC FutureScape Predictions
Summary of External Drivers
Predictions: Impact on Technology Buyers
Prediction 1: In 2025, 50% of the G1000 Will Struggle with Divergent Regulatory Changes and Rapidly Evolving Compliance Standards, Challenging Their Ability to Adapt to Market Conditions and Drive AI Innovation
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 2: By 2025, 85% of Organizations Will Be Formalizing Policies and Oversight to Address AI Risks (e.g., Ethical, Brand, and PII), Aligning AI Governance with Strategic Business Goals
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 3: Responding to the Drag of Technical Debt, 40% of CIOs in 2025 Will Drive Enterprise Initiatives in High-Impact Areas to Remediate Technical Debt for Competitive Advantage
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 4: In 2026, Over One-Third of Organizations Will Be Stuck in the Experimental, Point-Solution Phase of AI Experimentation, Requiring a Shift of Focus to Enterprise Use Cases to Deliver ROI
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 5: By 2026, 80% of CIOs Will Lead the Creation of a Strategic Road Map to Rapidly Implement Responsible AI Solutions, Maximizing Benefits While Mitigating Risks Across Their Operations
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 6: In 2026, 55% of CIOs Will Diversify and Broaden Security Strategies Across Their Organization's IT and Security Teams to Address New/Fast-Evolving Threats to Their Technology and Supply Chain Ecosystem
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 7: By 2027, 65% of CIOs Will Be Accountable for Embedding Sustainability Goals into Every Technology Project, Measuring Outcomes to Refine Investments and Align with Environmental Objectives
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 8: Just 50% of Organizations in 2027 Will Be Able to Effectively Use AI-Infused Applications to Improve Incident Detection and Resolution Processes, Making Them More Cyber-Resilient Organizations
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 9: Due to Rising Pressures, 80% of G1000 CIOs Will Be Hired from Outside Their Organization by 2028, Requiring CIOs to Expand Skills in Digital Innovation, Strategic Leadership, and Industry Versatility
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Prediction 10: By 2028, 50% of G1000 Will Adopt Cutting-Edge Tools to Close the Digital and AI Skills Gap, Easing Reliance on Specialized Talent, Boosting the Workforce, and Bridging the Expertise Gap for Innovation
Associated Drivers
IT Impact
Guidance
Advice for Technology Buyers
External Drivers: Detail
AI-Driven Business Models — Moving from AI Experimentation to Monetization
Future Proofing Against Environmental Risks — ESG Operationalization and Risk Management
AI-Driven Workplace Transformation — Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today
Regulatory Flux — Navigating Compliance Challenges in a Shifting Policy Landscape
Expanding Digital Security Frontiers — Fortification Against Multiplying Threats
Responsible and Human-Centric Technology — Ethics in the Enterprise
Battling Against Technical Debt — Overcoming Hurdles to IT Modernization
Learn More
Related Research
Research Assistance
Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook