Microsoft reveals key approaches CIOs must take to harness AI

Microsoft has outlined four crucial strategies for chief information officers to harness the power of artificial intelligence and navigate its growing influence on the business world.

With AI becoming integral to shaping organisations’ futures, CIOs are now at the heart of this transformative change, according to Microsoft’s latest insights from the 2024 Gartner CIO Generative AI Survey.

The report reveals that 48 per cent of CIOs are now solely responsible for AI initiatives within their organisations, underscoring the pivotal role CIOs play in driving AI adoption.

Yet, the report also highlights the challenges they face, particularly in managing the growing demand for IT services amid increased expectations for innovation.

Microsoft suggested that CIOs can navigate this pivotal moment by embracing four key approaches:

The report stresses the importance of addressing data hygiene and permissions as foundational steps for AI adoption.

Microsoft explained that organisations should look at AI as an opportunity to accelerate efforts to improve data practices. By ensuring that work data, such as emails and meetings, are well-organised, AI tools like Copilot can better support businesses in making smarter decisions and revealing potential data gaps.

“Don’t delay AI deployment due to data issues,” the report advised, noting that fixing these gaps now will position companies for long-term success with AI.

CIOs are encouraged to foster a learning culture that keeps executives and teams well-versed in AI’s possibilities.

Microsoft highlighted how executives at Clifford Chance, a leading global law firm, successfully utilised AI tools to streamline work processes while maintaining compliance and ethical standards.

The firm’s Chief Technology Officer, Paul Greenwood, emphasised the importance of educating employees on the benefits and potential of AI, resulting in productivity gains and faster client turnarounds. l.

The report emphasised the need for CIOs to experiment with AI on smaller scales and measure the outcomes before scaling the technology across the business.

Microsoft pointed to Bank of Queensland, where CIO Craig Ryman and CTO Robert Wilson saw significant time savings by using AI to streamline processes.

It also encouraged CIOs to share their successes with the broader organisation to inspire wider adoption of AI tools.

“Start with one business challenge, deploy AI, and share the results,” Microsoft suggested. “This will build momentum for AI adoption across the organisation.”

Partnerships between CIOs and other business leaders are vital for successful AI deployment, the report states. Microsoft highlights the need for collaboration between IT leaders and Chief Financial Officers to justify AI’s ROI.

The report cites Dow’s success in using AI to automate invoice auditing, which helped the company unlock efficiencies and reduce costs.

“When CIOs collaborate with other business functions, they are more likely to meet their digital transformation goals,” Microsoft emphasised.

In conclusion, Microsoft highlights that CIOs are not merely navigating a period of change but actively shaping the future of their organisations.

The strategies outlined in the report are designed to ensure that CIOs can fully leverage AI’s potential and lead their businesses into a new era of innovation and operational efficiency.

“CIOs who implement these strategies will be in a prime position to unlock AI’s value and create lasting business transformation,” Microsoft concluded.