The role of CIOs
Reports indicate that leading CIOs will shift from digital transformation to human-centric transformation. In 2022, forward-thinking companies will not only think about digital transformation, but also implement initiatives that tightly integrate the customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX). In addition, the top 10% of technology leaders will also prioritize investments in strategic partnerships and innovative practices – 3 times more often than competitors.
Forrester notes that IT companies face a 13.8 percent loss due to a lack of effective tech talent acquisition models, indicating a slow transition to “future talent” strategies. Frustrated traditional companies will resort to pay raises to attract talent, while up-and-coming firms will use cloud and platform architectures and low-code solutions to reduce the need for cutting-edge technical skills.
Cloud solutions.
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has led to heavy use of enterprise clouds as companies expand their digital presence and create new products. Companies are looking for cloud efficiency, scalable solutions and unique customization.
Forrester predicts that container adoption will reach 50 percent by 2022 as cloud technology takes center stage in enterprise clouds. More importantly, enterprises will refactor or re-platform their cloud strategies to base them on a native cloud environment rather than overlaying it on their existing solutions. Cloud technology will transcend all major technology areas, such as big data, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
Forrester notes that Google Cloud Platform (GCP) will not meet its short-term goals, but that doesn’t matter. Since it lags far behind AWS and Azure, GCP could make great strides by acquiring a large SaaS platform.
The development of the Internet of Things
According to Forrester, a chip shortage will hinder the overall growth of the Internet of Things market by 10-15%. The chip shortage will not be solved until mid-2023, and IoT devices will suffer even more. Because many IoT-based smart products, such as appliances and cars, are not available to everyone or are priced too high, demand for “less smart” equivalents will grow.
Investment in smart infrastructure will grow by 40%, Forrester predicts. Relying on large government spending on smart infrastructure to facilitate pandemic recovery in the U.S., EU and China, urban planners will prioritize initiatives that connect citizens to the Internet, address public health issues and manage critical resources.
Cybersecurity, risk and privacy
One in 10 experienced cybersecurity professionals are projected to leave the industry. Before the pandemic, only 21% of security professionals weren’t going to quit their current jobs. However, 2021 data shows that 51% of cybersecurity professionals have experienced extreme stress or burnout in the past year. In addition, 65% say they have considered quitting their jobs because of constant stress.
Forrester reports that companies will include cyber insurance policies in contracts to compensate third parties for breaches. As they bring in new suppliers or renew contracts with existing third parties, organizations will require a specific cyber insurance policy that lists them as a beneficiary included in contracts with those partners in their ecosystems who, while a vital part of the supply chain, do not meet their cybersecurity standards or refuse to provide sufficient attestation.
Bias rewards, circular economy
At least five major companies will introduce bias rewards. These rewards will allow users to identify bias in artificial intelligence systems. In 2022, large tech companies such as Google and Microsoft will introduce bias grants, and banks and medical companies will also join such programs.
Forrester predicts that Western brands will spend 2022 looking for new partners in China, beyond Alibaba and JD.com, through companies like Douyin, Little Red Book and WeChat. This will allow them to establish more direct relationships with consumers and sell goods directly.