CREATE A FUTUREREADY IT FOUNDATION

Atanu Pramanic, COO & VP (IT), RPSG Ventures Ltd (A RP-Sanjiv Goenka company), speaks about the changing role of the CIO, the CDO, the future state of our readiness post-Covid and of course emerging tech like ChatGPT. Edited excerpts from a video interview.

- Sunil Rajguru

How much has the role of the CIO changed in the last couple of decades and what further changes can we expect in the years to come?
I have always looked at technology as a catalyst of change and a driver of business vision. With the accelerated adoption of digital technology amidst the pandemic, this school of thought has found wider acceptance among business leaders.

I must, however, add that the transformation of the CIOS role began much earlier. Two decades ago, conversations about IT revolved around speed and reliability which continues to remain important, but continued advancements and integration of cloud technology, mobile devices, social media, and business analytics have significantly reshaped discussions and strategies.

I have believed in creating an IT foundation that keeps the organisation ahead of time and future ready. Therefore, a seat at the Executive Board's table for CIOs would be imperative for businesses to stay relevant in the future.

Empowerment and ownership would help them anchor the short and long-term organisational goals. CIOs' ability to align business strategies and application of technology in overachieving goals would be key.

What about Digital Governance? How has the operations in diplomatic missions and the field of visa issuance changed in the last decade or so?