UPDATE: Major shifts in IT transformation are set to reshape the business landscape by 2026, according to new insights from Genpact and industry leaders. As enterprises focus on digital strategies, the need for a comprehensive IT overhaul is more urgent than ever, with organizations grappling with outdated systems and fragmented data.
New reports confirm that a mere fraction of the 500 CEOs and C-suite leaders surveyed by Genpact are implementing advanced AI solutions effectively. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for IT departments to evolve beyond their traditional roles, moving towards a more integrated and strategic function within the business framework.
In the past few years, organizations have struggled with issues such as legacy systems, governance gaps, and cultural resistance. Daniel Burrus, founder of Burrus Research, warns that many IT departments still operate with an “old mindset” that hinders progress. “It’ll be changed, but that’s not good enough,” Burrus stated, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift.
Industry experts like Ken Englund, technology sector growth leader at EY Americas, highlight that IT must align more closely with business goals. The expectation for IT organizations is to demonstrate clear ROI from AI initiatives, shifting their focus from uptime metrics to broader business impact. “The IT organization will become the keeper of the journal in terms of business value,” Englund explained.
Sergio de la Fe, an enterprise digital leader at RSM US, noted that many IT departments have failed to adapt, resulting in poor data governance and access controls. “Many IT organizations have taken the easy way,” de la Fe remarked, stressing that effective data architecture is crucial for success.
As the pressure mounts, Michael Corrigan, CIO at World Insurance Associates, shared insights on the evolving landscape. His focus on automation and operational efficiency has intensified, with an increasing demand for AI-driven solutions to enhance business processes. “A lot of that focus is now on agentic AI,” Corrigan stated, highlighting the urgency for IT to deliver tangible value.
In a bold move, Sanjeev Vohra, chief technology and innovation officer at Genpact, revealed that the most advanced IT organizations are adopting a modular and open architecture approach. “Their architecture must be more responsive to the business than ever before,” Vohra stated, marking a shift towards agility and adaptability.
With these transformations underway, organizations are urged to evaluate their IT operations closely. The signs of necessary transformation include a lack of budget for future growth and excessive tech debt. De la Fe warns that organizations simply “surviving” are at risk of falling behind in a rapidly evolving market.
As the landscape shifts, IT departments must deepen their partnerships with business units, aligning budgets and strategies to drive growth and innovation. The urgency for transformation is clear: organizations must act now to avoid being left behind in the race toward 2026.
In conclusion, the message is loud and clear—IT transformation is not just a goal; it is an immediate necessity. As businesses prepare for the future, the ability to adapt and innovate will define success. Stay tuned as this urgent story continues to develop, impacting enterprises worldwide.
