Nash Squared DLR Pulse Survey

“This Pulse Survey paints a picture of great change, often in difficult circumstances. But it also paints a picture of opportunity, new technologies and new markets to pursue. For the digital leader, the next 12 months present a unique opportunity to increase impact in their organisation. Few roles touch so many important moving parts. We have said this before on Digital Leadership Reports, but it doesn’t make it less true: it has never been a more exciting time to be a digital leader. Our next Digital Leadership Report will be published in early 2025.”
Bev White, CEO, Nash Squared

Six things you need to know:

Investment in technology remains strong despite economic uncertainty

Despite current global economic instability, investment in technology continues to thrive. Over the coming year, over 40% of organisations anticipate boosting their technology budgets, and one-third intend to expand their technology teams. For organisations experiencing economic difficulties, there is optimism that conditions will improve within the next 6 to 9 months.

Emphasis on Operational Efficiency

Digital leaders concentrate on improving operational efficiency via automation, AI, and effective data management, consistent with patterns we’ve tracked in previous economic downturns with our DLR. Nevertheless, 30% of organisations still prioritise revenue generation through technology, with boards looking for tech solutions to enhance both top-line and bottom-line performance.

Extensive adoption of GenAI

Close to 75% of organisations have adopted GenAI to some extent, with 20% implementing it on an enterprise-wide scale. This rapid adoption trend is expected to continue, thanks to the ease and low cost of implementation. Organisations are also adopting stronger governance practices, though their confidence in these measures is limited.

The business case for GenAI is evolving

While GenAI deployment has been rapid, its impact has shown variability. Over half of organisations cite the lack of a clear business case as a barrier, with additional concerns about technology misuse. Among those using GenAI, one-quarter report negligible or no impact on their organisation. Most current uses of GenAI focus on personal productivity, though some more transformative applications are emerging.

Is hybrid working here for the long term?

Since our last update in late 2023, one in six organisations has upped the required office attendance from 2-3 days to 3 days weekly. This change has been well-received by many, with four in ten organisations indicating that it is working very well. However, this shift could have potential drawbacks. More office days may make an organisation less appealing to potential recruits, especially those with caregiving roles.

About this report

The Digital Leadership Report Pulse Survey was created to provide a mid-year update to our annual Digital Leadership Report (DLR) which was last published in November 2023.

The Pulse Survey was undertaken in May 2024 and captures the views of 322 digital leaders on key factors that may have changed in the last six months.

Most had taken part in our annual DLR, allowing us to supplement the data of this shorter Pulse Survey with a more extended data set (2,104 responses).

The average technology budget was US$5-$10million. Responses came from 24 countries and job roles included: CIO / CTO / Director 53%, Head of tech / digital 20%, Technology practitioner 19%, CEO/MD 7%.

Our next annual Digital Leadership Report will be published in February 2025.