The co-evolution of data and the modern enterprise

Abstract

Purpose Central to the corporate response to decades of discontinuity has been a rapidly growing and increasingly impactful role of data and digital technologies. This article studies that co-evolution. Design/methodology/approach Reviewing annual and semi-annual IBM survey data from CEO interviews across the past 20 years, IBM Institute for Business Value research has gained a unique perspective on how corporate leaders have used data technology to stay at the vanguard of change. Findings In 2021, 62 percent of the highest performing CEOs said technology infrastructure, specifically data infrastructure, is the greatest challenge for their organization. Practical Implications From coping with uncertainty, change and complexity, to the need for more actionable insights, to empowering the individualization of the customer experience and engagement with ecosystem partners, data and digital technologies are now central to helping organizations address their top challenges. Originality Value Business leaders must think strategically about how the interplay between data, technology and business transformation will need to be shaped to catalyze even more value for the enterprise and its customers.