Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow Brian Solis keynoted the 2024 Gartner IT Symposium. He explored the future of AI Business Transformation and the evolving role of CIOs as drivers of transformation and innovation.
The vision of CIOs and technology executives matters more than ever – calling for leaders executing technology priorities while preparing for an AI-augmented future. Instilling a culture of innovation and creating an organization fit for the next-generation workforce.
The Great Divide: Uniting the C-Suite to Build the Business of the Future
CEOs are leaned into AI like no other technology before, mentioning GenAI in earnings calls 40,000 in 2023. At the same time, only one-third of CIOs and technology leaders are actively piloting generative AI solutions according to Gartner research. While business executives are bullish on genAI, costs, lack of resources, and the absence of an ultimate vision for the future are creating a notable divide within companies around the world.
Storied venture capitalist Vinod Khosla observed the rate of progress of AI on all fronts and the general lack of progress in the evolution of companies. “Most businesses have no clue what is about to hit them in the next ten years when most rules of engagement will change,” he said, noting that he believes only a few hundred people know what is happening.
Add to this, a headline story in The Economist wondered, “What happened to the artificial intelligence revolution,” exploring why the technology has had almost no impact.
The answer lies in the great divide between executive vision and digital investments and execution. We have to start with examining potential impacts and futures, design for adaptation and innovation, and define the role we want to play in building this new future. It’s time to rethink the next generation of business and our place in it.
About Brian
Brian Solis serves as the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow where he leads vision, strategy, and program innovation for the company’s global Innovation and Executive Briefing Centers. Brian also partners with ServiceNow leaders and strategic account teams to advise executives on next-generation innovation and business transformation strategies.
Brian is also a world-renowned futurist, 9x best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. He is the author of over 60 widely read research reports that explore the future of business and industries, disruptive technologies, and important consumer shifts. Brian continues to publish business and technology thought leadership in industry publications such as CIO, Forbes, and Worth, and has consistently been recognized as one of the world’s leading thinkers in innovation, business transformation, and leadership for over two decades.
