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The role of CTO in digital transformation (2020)
(Image credit: Image source: Shutterstock/Wichy)
The role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a mix of procuring abstract goals and achieving futuristic innovations — probably a reason why it is one of the least understood of all C-level profiles.
As digital transformation climbs up the top of every business agenda, organisations are grappling to put their best foot forward, while embracing new technologies to stay ahead of the race.
Naturally, a CTO is expected to be a part of every transformation project. With one eye on emerging IT technologies and the other on building a link between business and technology, they drive digital transformation.
Evolution of a CTO
Traditionally, the role of a CTO was confined to keeping track of emerging IT trends, policies, and ideas critical to improving a company’s product or service. Organisations had someone else at the CXO level to interpret how those trends will affect their customers.
But thanks to digital transformation changing the course of how industries operate, the role of a CTO is quickly redefining itself. Today, they are the drivers of a company’s transformation strategy. They create new business models and digitise products-and they look after human resources and budget.
