A ROADMAP TO IT SUCCESS IN THE AI ERA

Pacesetters vs. Everyone Else: Why UAE Tech Leaders Must Rethink IT as a Business Growth Engine As AI moves from hype to execution, a new breed of technologists is emerging — Pacesetters who are redefining IT by aligning it with business value, building strategic partnerships, shaping culture, and leading the upskilling revolution.

- By FARES ASADI, DIRECTOR OF SOLUTION CONSULTING MEA AT SERVICENOW

As organizations in the UAE, and across the globe for that matter, execute on their AI strategies, discussions have (rightly) quickly escalated from department watercoolers to C-suite boardrooms. Analytical minds have thankfully prevailed, and we now find ourselves commonly discussing AI maturity. In an effort to form a global picture of these discussions, ServiceNow collaborated with ThoughtLab on a survey of 500 technology decision makers. What emerged was a clear distinction between “Pacesetters” — technologists who are redefining the IT function and driving strategic change across the enterprise — and Everyone Else. Pacesetters demonstrated a clearer understanding of tech and non-tech principles. They were focused on adding value today, tomorrow, next year, and next decade. So, let’s take a look at what the Pacesetter does that sets them apart and points the way to success for Everyone Else.

1. Turning cost into revenue