Gartner Research

A Master CIO in Government

Published: 23 February 2018

ID: G00341810

Analyst(s): Alvaro Mello, Alia Mendonsa, Rick Holgate

Summary

Government CIOs face unique environmental challenges: chronic IT underinvestment, proliferation of adjacent digital roles, cost center views of IT, lagging technologically and scarce digital leadership. To succeed, they must become master CIOs with well-rounded, mature skills and competences.

Table Of Contents

Analysis

  • What Is a Master CIO?
  • Why Should You Become a Master CIO in Government?
  • Master CIOs in Government Face Challenges Unique to Their Industry
    • Lack of Pervasive Digital Leadership
    • CIOs and IT Viewed as an Administrative Support Function
    • Proliferation of "Adjacent" Roles
    • Mismatch of Time Scales
    • Growing IT Underinvestment
    • Technology Outpacing Governments' Ability to Adapt and Respond
    • Reshaping the Workforce
  • How Can You Become a Master CIO in Government?
    • Maximize Your Flexibility
    • Prioritize Personal Development
    • Form and Empower a Coalition of Allies
    • Change the Tone, Content and Level of the Dialogue Around Technology
    • Build Confidence and Trust in IT, and Assume a Digital Leadership Role
    • Foster Greater Executive Engagement

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