Core Insights - The alignment between CEOs and CIOs is critical for successful AI adoption, with many CIOs seeking stronger support from their CEOs to achieve strategic objectives [1][2][6] CIO-CEO Alignment - 39% of CIOs feel misaligned with their CEOs on decision-making, and 31% lack confidence in understanding their CEO's expectations [2][6] - 34% of CIOs do not feel empowered by their CEOs to make long-term IT strategy decisions [2][6] Evolving Role of CIOs - 34% of CIOs report increased involvement in strategic priorities beyond IT, including human capital planning and digital innovation [3][6] - 37% of CIOs believe that business strategy and stakeholder management are now more important than technical expertise [7] Investment in IT Infrastructure - 41% of CIOs indicate that their businesses need to invest more in IT infrastructure, while only a third believe current investments are sufficient [7] - 26% of CIOs find it challenging to gain CEO buy-in for modernization and transformation strategies [7] Responsibilities and Expectations - CIOs are expected to balance innovation and AI adoption with cost control and risk management, focusing on business outcomes rather than hype [7] - CIOs are increasingly involved in workforce strategy, particularly regarding AI governance and performance [7] Research Methodology - The report is based on interviews with global CEOs and quantitative research involving over 200 CIOs in the US and UK, identifying six core discussion areas for better strategic outcomes [8]