In the digital-first world, technology isn't only a supporting function. It's also a vital player in an organization's success. This survey of thousands of executives and technology professionals examines the status, future, and risks of IT and technology use, specifically in large and enterprise-sized organizations in the US and Canada.
We surveyed 3,300 professionals working worldwide in IT and in other business functions. In North America (the United States and Canada), 500 decision-makers (DMs) in IT and other key business functions were surveyed in numerous private sector organizations. We've divided them into two broad categories: IT decision-makers (ITDMs), and business decision-makers (BDMs).
IT decision-makers (ITDMs)
Business decision-makers (BDMs)
of ITDMs in the US and Canada say their organization has successfully decentralized their IT structures. This is far more than the global average of 64%.
of ITDMs report that at least one department in their organization is creating its own applications using low-code or no-code platforms.
of all decision-makers agree that their organization encourages non-IT employees to develop their own applications using low-code or no-code platforms. This is the highest positive response globally.
of BDMs in US and Canada say their organization has invested in AI and ML.
Preventing cyberattacks and providing automation are the top two areas where AI and ML are used in North America.
of decision-makers (both ITDMs and BDMs) believe employees are trained and efficient at leveraging AI and ML technologies.
Areas where BDMs' organizations have invested in AI and ML
Based on the responses of BDMs
of decision-makers (both ITDMs and BDMs) believe employees are trained and efficient at leveraging AI and ML technologies.
The top barriers for the US and Canada are similar to the global averages, with a lack of training being the primary barrier.
Top barriers to employees making full use of technology
Based on the responses of BDMs
Approximately one-third of BDMs (37%) stated that the lack of accessibility was also a key barrier. This is 10% higher than the global average.
The US and Canada broadly follow the global trend when it comes to technical training.
How does your department receive training in technology processes and tools
Based on the responses of BDMs
However, business teams here are a bit more self-reliant than their global counterparts: 55% of North American BDMs said they take care of their own training using online courses, as opposed to 43% globally.
Even as the role of technology teams becomes more important, organizations
are at risk of losing tech talent, global survey results indicate.
Findings in the North American region echo this trend:
of ITDMs say the were inadequately consulter or not consulted at all on the implementation of flexible working models, compared to 33% globally.
of these ITDMs say their organizations should have supported them more in the last two years.
of ITDMs feel less loyal to their employer than two years ago, compared to 49% globally.
of ITDMs are actively looking for a new job, compared to 48% globally.
Only 2% of ITDMs have said that nothing will make them leave their current organization.
The democratization of technology has, unsurprisingly, increased the importance of the IT department. The proliferation of technology throughout organizations has increased the technical proficiency of non-IT employees—but not to the extent that they can do without the IT department altogether.
However, even as technology evolves and becomes more pervasive across business functions, organizations are at risk of losing their tech talent. They need to look at ways to retain their IT leaders to ensure continued success.
Prepare your organization for the digital workplaces
of the future. Download the North America reports on
the democratization of IT and the empowerment of IT.
