The CIO's Balancing Act: New Global Study Reveals How Tech Leaders Manage Security Threats While Driving Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

A new global study by Experis, part of ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), reveals how CIOs are balancing cybersecurity concerns with innovation initiatives. 41% of CIOs cite cybersecurity as their primary concern, while simultaneously 77% are increasing security budgets, 68% expanding cloud infrastructure, and 67% accelerating AI capabilities.

The Future Forward: CIO 2025 Outlook report, based on responses from 1,400 tech leaders across nine countries, shows that 76% of IT employers struggle to find skilled tech talent. The study reveals a cautious approach to AI adoption, with only 37% viewing generative AI as valuable for specific applications, while 60% of organizations are either exploring or implementing AI technologies.

The research identifies five organizational maturity categories, with 24% classified as 'Front Runners' characterized by customer-centric technology strategies, while 14% are 'Snoozers' showing resistance to AI adoption and change.

Positive

• 77% of organizations increasing cybersecurity investment
• 68% expanding cloud infrastructure investment
• 67% accelerating AI capabilities investment
• 52% embedding AI skills into existing roles, optimizing workforce efficiency

Negative

• 76% of IT employers struggling to find skilled tech talent
• 56% report senior leadership lacks understanding of CIO role
• Only 37% see current value in generative AI applications
• 33% uncertain about AI's business impact

MILWAUKEE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than four out of ten (41%) Chief Information Officers (CIOs) report cybersecurity as their top concern, yet these same leaders are simultaneously increasing security budgets (77%), expanding cloud infrastructure (68%), and accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities (67%). According to the new Future Forward: CIO 2025 Outlook report released today by Experis, a global leader in IT workforce solutions and part of the ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) family of brands, modern technology leaders are walking a tightrope between protecting their organizations and driving innovation in an era of relentless cyber threats and rapid digital transformation.

"Today's CIOs aren't just playing defense; they're strategically blending security and innovation to create competitive advantage," said Kye Mitchell, Head of Experis US. "The most successful technology leaders are embedding resilience into their digital foundations while simultaneously deploying AI, cloud, and other advanced technologies to outpace competitors. They aren't making tradeoffs; they're transforming their entire approach to technology by creating integrated strategies where digital defense enables rather than restricts progress."

Drawing from nearly 1,400 tech leaders across nine countries—including 480 C-suite executives and 913 senior IT decision-makers—the research paints a vivid picture of how smart leaders are weaving security into innovation strategies to outpace emerging threats.

Key Findings:

• Cybersecurity threats keep 41% of CIOs up at night, making it the top concern for tech leaders worldwide
• 77% of organizations plan to increase cybersecurity budgets in 2025, followed by cloud infrastructure (68%) and AI (67%)
• 76% of IT employers worldwide report difficulty finding skilled tech talent
• 52% of tech leaders are embedding AI skills into existing roles rather than creating new positions
• Relationship with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is identified as the most important C-suite partnership outside IT
• 56% of IT leaders say senior leadership lacks sufficient knowledge about the CIO role and its responsibilities

Despite the buzz around artificial intelligence, the research reveals a measured approach to AI adoption among technology leaders. While CIOs value generative AI and are actively exploring its possibilities, they recognize the technology is still in its infancy. Just 37% see generative AI as a valuable solution for specific applications today, while 33% remain uncertain about its business impact. This cautious outlook doesn't mean inaction though as most organizations are either actively exploring (33%) or already implementing (27%) AI technologies in some capacity, indicating a pragmatic investment in its potential while acknowledging more development is needed.

"What stands out in our global research is the remarkable regional variation in how technology leaders approach these challenges," said James Hallahan, Experis Europe Brand Leader. "In the Netherlands, tech leaders are pioneering sustainability initiatives with 67% reducing carbon footprints through technology, while maintaining robust security postures. At the same time, CIOs in Italy are among the most enthusiastic AI adopters, with 86% increasing cybersecurity investments simultaneously. Meanwhile, in France, 38% report that advocating for adequate budget resources is their greatest challenge, significantly higher than the global average of 25%. These distinct regional priorities highlight that there's no one-size-fits-all approach and successful tech leaders must adapt to local business needs rather than following a universal playbook."

The study also identifies five organizational maturity categories, with "Front Runners" (24%) distinguished by their customer-centric technology strategies and strong alignment with business objectives. In contrast, "Snoozers" (14%) show skepticism toward AI and cite internal resistance to change as a significant obstacle.

For the full report and actionable insights into how CIOs are navigating these challenges, visit: www.experis.com/cio-outlook

ABOUT EXPERIS 
Experis^® is the global leader in IT Professional Resourcing and IT Services. Experis accelerates growth for organizations by attracting, assessing, and placing specialized technology talent into in-demand roles, delivering mission-critical projects that enhance the competitiveness of the organizations and the people we serve. Through Experis Academy, we provide intensive "business-ready" training and coaching to new graduates, as well as customized skills development to prepare existing employees for high-demand tech roles. Experis is part of the ManpowerGroup^® (NYSE: MAN) family of brands, which also includes Manpower and Talent Solutions.

For more information, visit www.experis.com, or follow us on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE ManpowerGroup

FAQ

What percentage of CIOs are increasing cybersecurity budgets in 2025 according to ManpowerGroup (MAN)?

77% of organizations plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets in 2025, according to the Experis study.

How many tech leaders participated in ManpowerGroup's (MAN) Future Forward: CIO 2025 Outlook study?

The study included 1,400 tech leaders across nine countries, comprising 480 C-suite executives and 913 senior IT decision-makers.

What percentage of organizations are currently implementing AI technologies according to the MAN study?

27% of organizations are already implementing AI technologies, while 33% are actively exploring AI implementation.

What is the biggest challenge for IT employers according to ManpowerGroup's (MAN) 2025 study?

76% of IT employers worldwide report difficulty finding skilled tech talent.