Digital transformation firmly embedded in top priorities of business leaders

The digital era is prompting organisations to reinvent their business models, with digitisation now firmly embedded in nearly all of their top business priorities. That is according to a global survey conducted by CGI among more than 1,800 C-level executives.

The CGI study invited CEOs, CIOs, and other senior leaders to share their perspectives on key organisational and investment priorities for the years ahead. A broad range of themes emerged from the findings – but unsurprisingly, technology, data, and artificial intelligence dominated the agenda across virtually every industry.

Nearly three out of four executives reported that digitisation is “significantly impacting” their business models. Technological acceleration was identified as the most influential global macro trend by 71% of respondents – outpacing other forces such as shifting political and regulatory landscapes (67%), changing social demographics (49%), and the growing urgency of climate action (43%).

Driven by this momentum, executives are more open than ever to digital tools and upgrades that fuel efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and power innovation, CGI’s report found. Today, 94% of organisations have a digital strategy that supports their overarching corporate vision.

Companies are meanwhile ramping up investment in digital transformation, with key initiatives including the adoption of emerging technologies, expanding use of cloud platforms, infrastructure modernisation, and the automation of core processes – all aimed at fostering agility.

The IT Agenda

When asked about IT priorities for the coming year, leaders placed IT modernisation at the top of the list. A growing number – 57% – plan to modernise their core business applications within the next two years, an 11% increase from the previous year. In parallel, most organisations expect to migrate these applications to the cloud during the same period.

Enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs ranked second and third, respectively. Improving the customer experience through IT also featured prominently. As part of these priorities, executives underscored the importance of adopting a data-driven approach to decision-making and the need for robust cybersecurity to safeguard against growing digital threats.

ROI from Technology

While investment in digitisation continues to grow, executives remain cautious about delivering tangible returns. Roughly four in ten respondents (41%) said they are currently achieving the expected outcomes from their digital strategies – an improvement from 34% last year, but still leaving room for growth.

However, many organisations continue to struggle with realising the full value of IT transformation. Ongoing cost pressures, legacy systems, and persistent talent shortages are slowing progress. Nearly half of executives cited outdated systems as a key barrier to digital success, while the shortage of skilled IT professionals remains a widespread and critical challenge.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence was highlighted by executives as the most transformative technology of the near future. Past research has already shown the vast potential of AI – from boosting productivity and uncovering insights to enhancing automation, customer service, and innovation.

“AI is the top investment priority for executives in 2025, supporting the full lifecycle of digital transformation and value creation,” noted Dave Henderson, President of Intelligent Solutions and Innovation at CGI.

Most leaders surveyed by CGI said they are already integrating AI into their operations. More than a third have implemented – or are in the process of implementing – traditional AI technologies, while just over a quarter are rolling out generative AI. Henderson added: “As organisations move from AI exploration to implementation, the maturity of AI adoption is increasing across all sectors.”

A reflection from CGI’s CEO

Reflecting on the survey results, François Boulanger, President and Chief Executive Officer of CGI, said: “Executives continue to pursue ambitious digital transformation goals while managing complexity, containing costs, and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the global landscape and labour market.”

“Organisations are increasingly looking for an enterprise partner who brings not only deep technical expertise but also industry-specific knowledge and experience. CGI, with its insights-driven approach, is that trusted partner.”