Organizations are ramping up investments in generative AI, cloud, and cybersecurity to drive digital transformation, but disparities in value expectations and measurements between business and technology leaders threaten returns on these initiatives. Deloitte’s research, based on surveys of over 4,400 global leaders and interviews with C-suite executives, highlights gaps in how these groups perceive the benefits of emerging technologies. For generative AI, technology leaders are more optimistic about its potential for innovation, fraud detection, and software development speed, while business leaders often undervalue these strategic benefits. Similar misalignments extend to cloud investments, where business leaders focus on operational metrics like process effectiveness, whereas tech leaders emphasize revenue growth and customer retention. Cybersecurity investments show greater alignment overall but reveal divergent priorities, particularly with advanced cryptography and zero-trust security.
To maximize returns, organizations must foster collaboration between business and technology leaders to align strategic objectives and success measures. Tech leaders should educate business counterparts on the broader potential of emerging technologies, while business leaders should incorporate more innovative KPIs. A strong data foundation and independent cybersecurity assessments are critical for informed decision-making. Bridging these gaps can enhance the effectiveness of tech investments, ensuring they meet both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic goals.
