EY-CIOs-Born-to-be-digital

Could emergingmarkets leapfrogon digital?One of the exciting prospects digital technology brings is thatit could potentially allow emerging markets to leapfrogothers. This is most easily seen at an infrastructure level,where adoption rates for mobile connectivity have oftenrapidly overtaken those for fixed-line connections. Indeed,many emerging markets have been pioneers: Kenya has beenthe leading country in developing a wholly mobile-basedmoney system, bypassing traditional banks. 7Across the IT-intensive industries polled, similar potential canbe seen in emerging market CIOs. Across a range of areas,they show greater potential to stand out than their peersfrom developed markets, as our analysis shows:Chart 10The DNA of the digital-ready CIOHe or she (yes, 13% are women - above theaverage for CIOs overall) is typically 45 yearsof age.On average, CIOs have spent a little overfive years in their current roles, althoughalmost half (49%) have been in their currentroles for less than three years.More often they hold either a business-relateddegree (52%) or a science and engineeringdegree (35%).They work hard to foster relationships acrossthe business, and see that as important from acareer perspective.They are happy in their work: 64% plan toremain where they are, or move into abigger CIO position, although 23% hope torun another business unit, or even becomeCEO.1. They’re more focused on the strategic elements ofthe role. About two-thirds (64%) of emerging marketCIOs are highly engaged in using technology to reshapethe future of their businesses, compared with just 50%of their developed market peers. Similarly, they are alsomore strongly interested in gaining the chance toinfluence corporate strategy, whereas developedmarket CIOs are often more interested in personaldevelopment.2. They place less of a priority on the operationalelements of the role, and see the most value ininnovation. Just 55% of emerging market CIOs thinkthey should focus on operational technology as apriority, as opposed to 73% of developed market CIOs.Similarly, when asked where they create most value forthe business, they are much more likely to point tothings such as product innovation (60% versus 46%).3. They focus on a different set of barriers. Whiledeveloped market CIOs worry most about a lack ofresources and head count, their emerging market peersare more concerned about dealing with a culture thatoften lacks a mindset for innovation.4. They realize the need for networking, both insideand outside the business. Across a range of roles,emerging market CIOs show a clearer recognition of theneed for improved relationships, not least in drivingtheir careers, whether that relationship is with the CEO,the CMO, or is an external relationship with regulatorsand the media.5. They’re typically more ambitious. Many developedmarket CIOs appear to be happier with the status quo:73% say they’re very happy with the scope of their role,compared with just 55% of emerging market CIOs.Accordingly, emerging market CIOs are far more likelyto want to move into a bigger CIO role (38% of thosesampled) than to stay in the same position (19%). Thiscompares with 19% and 45% of developed market CIOswith the same responses.Born to be digital |29