CIOs: Build Agentic AI Framework for Value & Governance

CIOs face challenges deploying agentic AI meaningfully within their organizations, despite its potential. Tom Zehren, CEO of Info-Tech Research Group, highlights the tension between AI value creation and governance. Many organizations get stuck due to fear of risk, blocking both risks and potential value. Over one-third of organizations now include AI governance in their IT strategy, and half have a dedicated, board-governed AI strategy. This triples the odds of getting value from AI. A four-step framework can help tech leaders find a valuable AI strategy. First, set an AI foundation with mandates like AI literacy and a budget. Second, use clean data and smart architecture to select lasting projects. Third, enforce AI and scale through safe experimentation in sandboxes. Finally, prove AI project value, track benefits, and either stop or reinvest. Successful teams understand their business workflow and the technology. Zehren advises repurposing IT capacity, not reducing it. The CIO role is evolving to manage and orchestrate system overhauls, with many aspiring to CEO positions. The bottom line: CIOs who become exponential IT leaders and drive value with technology open up new career pathways.