A global provider of enterprise software support, managed services, and Agentic AI ERP innovation solutions has released the findings of its new global study, “C-suite Imperatives: Accelerating Innovation in a Shifting Landscape.” Conducted with Censuswide, the survey gathered insights from nearly 4,300 CEOs, CIOs, CFOs, and CISOs worldwide, examining how executives are reshaping technology strategies amid economic pressure, cybersecurity risks, and evolving business demands.
The study reveals that AI and automation are now central to long-term enterprise strategy. Forty-four percent of executives cite AI and automation as their top capability needs, with nearly half of CIOs and CEOs naming them as their leading five-year priority. While cybersecurity, compliance, and cost control remain near-term concerns, leaders are increasingly focused on building data-driven, resilient operations. Notably, 97% say their ERP systems still meet business needs, yet 23% of workforce time is spent maintaining them—limiting innovation.
ROI expectations are also intensifying. Executives now demand measurable outcomes, expecting 27% of returns within one to two years and nearly half of total ROI beyond six years. Collaboration on IT initiatives most often involves CIOs and CEOs, highlighting the growing need for CFO involvement as financial accountability rises. Nearly 70% of leaders no longer see traditional ERP as the future, with one-third pointing to autonomous, AI-driven Agentic ERP as the next evolution.
Talent shortages continue to slow progress, with 98% of executives reporting skills gaps impacting their technology vision. As a result, 99% are outsourcing key IT services to reduce risk and free internal teams for strategic initiatives.
Resilience remains a top priority for all respondents, driven by cybersecurity threats, supply chain disruptions, and vendor constraints. Leaders are increasingly frustrated by forced upgrades and vendor lock-in, pushing organizations to seek greater control over their ERP roadmaps.
The full report, “C-suite Imperatives: Accelerating Innovation in a Shifting Landscape,” is available for download.
