Key Challenges for CIOs in 2026: Strategy, Governance, and AI at Scale
This summary draws on a Global CIO community panel discussion on how the CIO role is changing as AI moves from experimentation to execution. Across industries and regulatory environments, AI was framed not as a standalone technology agenda, but as a business issue shaped by governance, security, operating models, workforce readiness, and the ability to scale with control. A central theme was that CIOs are no longer expected simply to support implementation. They are increasingly expected to align technology with business priorities, manage risk, and turn AI ambition into business results.
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IATA NDC Development Project
Join Alexey Chiroki, Citibank enterprise solution architect, as he explores how blockchain technology is revolutionizing financial systems. Learn how digital assets extend beyond cryptocurrencies, enabling instant global transfers, asset tokenization, and increased transparency. Discover real-world banking applications already implemented at major institutions that are making finance more efficient, secure, and accessible.
On February 26, 2025, Global CIO hosted an online panel discussion “IT Talent Market in Central Asia: Challenges and Solutions.” The event brought together leading IT and HR experts to discuss key trends, hiring challenges, and the future of the regional job market.
The Global CIO editorial team is launching a series of articles on the conditions in which IT businesses operate across different countries. The first country we’re introducing is the UAE. We asked our partners about the development of the IT sector in their countries, the specific challenges and opportunities they face, and the key factors for success in each market.
On March 25, 2025, Global CIO hosted the online International Conference "Information Technologies in the Global Retail" on Zoom and LinkedIn. The event brought together IT leaders to discuss key challenges and best practices in digital transformation, customer experience, and IT management in the retail sector.
How to choose the right path for your project? Today, many companies face a dilemma: to use low-code platforms to speed up development or invest in traditional custom development? Sergey Plashkevich, head of business development for the Low-code platform at Tsifrum (Rosatom) and the participants of the round table will share their experience in implementing low-code solutions and discuss which tasks are best suited for this approach, and in which cases it is worth preferring classical methods.
At the beginning of the year, business activity in companies picks up speed: new budgets are approved, strategic projects are launched, and the results of the previous year are summed up. All this happens against the backdrop of adaptation to the work rhythm, the formation of new plans, and spring vitamin deficiency. During this period, the concentration of attention of most employees is reduced, and the stress level, on the contrary, is consistently high. These are ideal conditions for fraudsters. Alexander Yarov, Head of Information Security at ELMA, told how to help the team remain vigilant when faced with cyber fraud.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology of the future – it is a reality that is changing business, daily life, and even creativity. But how fast is the AI project market growing? Which segments are developing the fastest and what challenges companies face when implementing AI solutions are described in the article.
The opportunity to connect with IT leaders from different countries and industries is one of the things we value most at Global CIO. Today, the Global CIO editorial team interviewed Golib Khusainov, the CIO of Uzavtosanoat.
Corporate cybersecurity, IT staffing shortages, and IT budget alignment have been pressing issues for decades. However, IT leaders have recently encountered new challenges in each of these areas. Key problems and potential solutions were discussed during the Global CIO online ideation session as part of the "Key Trends in Digital Transformation 2024" online conference.
The Examen Sentinel project arose out of a desire to improve security. In partnership with RSA Laboratories, we have developed a solution that uses data analytics and AI to proactively identify potential problems, ensuring timely medical intervention.
In 2025, HR in the IT sector will face new challenges, which is due to both the ongoing development of technologies and the transformation of this highly competitive segment of the job market.
The Avia Code company has launched the BAGS ID system, allowing passengers to independently check in luggage in just 30 seconds. The solution reduces queues and improves service at airports. Konstantin Panev, Director of Digital Transformation, Airports of the Regions Management Company, shares his experience.
The professional community Global CIO brings together IT leaders from various industries. Understanding the differences in IT management across sectors like healthcare, retail, industry, and arts institutions is crucial. To explore the insights of Healthcare CIOs, the Global CIO editorial team interviewed Luciano Santos da Silva, CIO of the Zerrenner Foundation and one of the winners of the 2024 Project of the Year competition.
Director of IT and Business Process Automation at Binnopharm Group Evgeniy Zaitsev spoke about the implementation of a computer vision system in drug production, which provides 99% accuracy in detecting bottle defects.
The MENA region is emerging as a fast-growing IT hub, home to 1.5 million professionals, driven by strong government support, a thriving startup ecosystem, and major investments in AI and digital transformation. Natalia Domashenko, CEO at NGRS, moderated a panel discussion on the evolving IT job market in the region.
“The project approach is being replaced by a product approach: the company has proven the effectiveness of a phased transition when implementing automated control systems,” said Egor Skaletsky, project manager at EuroChem. Experience has shown that consistent changes in IT solution development methods can achieve additional business benefits.