If AI is the future of your business, should the CIO be the one in control?

Flavio Coelho/Getty Images

While no business can afford to ignore the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), no organization can let data-led initiatives sprout up without control.

Whether it's in the form of generative AI services, such as ChatGPT or Bing, or in machine-learning-led initiatives that allow organizations to undertake large-scale data analytics, AI is a step change in the way organizations use technology. Our businesses and the way we work for these companies are being changed forever.

How AI is Transforming Organizations Everywhere

Some of the world's most effective organizations are putting the latest AI innovations to work in smart -- and sometimes startling -- new ways. We put the spotlight on a diverse range of organizations across different parts of the economy to see how they are automating, streamlining, and transforming the ways things are done.

Read now

The priority now is for enterprises to ensure AI is introduced in a well-governed manner. So, who should be responsible for making sure the business makes the most of AI? Should it be the CIO, the CDO, or someone else?

The bad news, according to industry experts, is that there's no straightforward answer.

"It's a really complex question," Lily Haake told ZDNET. Haake is the head of technology and digital executive search at recruiter Harvey Nash. She recognizes the increased use of AI comes at a time when the roles and responsibilities of CIOs and their IT teams are contested.

While CIOs have traditionally been the executives most likely to lead technology initiatives, there's been a shift during the past five or so years, where line-of-business managers have taken more responsibility for sourcing and procuring IT systems and services.

AI in 2023: A year of breakthroughs that left no human thing unchanged These are the jobs most likely to be taken over by AI AI at the edge: 5G and the Internet of Things see fast times ahead Almost half of tech executives say their organizations aren't ready for AI or other advanced initiatives AI in 2023: A year of breakthroughs that left no human thing unchanged

These are the jobs most likely to be taken over by AI

AI at the edge: 5G and the Internet of Things see fast times ahead

Almost half of tech executives say their organizations aren't ready for AI or other advanced initiatives

Editorial standards Show Comments