CIO Profile & Competencies Assessment

Under 35 35 – 44 45 – 54 55 – 64 65+

Female Male Non-binary / Third gender Prefer not to say

North America EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Asia-Pacific (APAC) Latin America Other

Computer Science / Engineering Information Systems (MIS, IT Management) Business / Finance Mathematics / Data Science Humanities / Social Sciences

Less than 10 years 10 – 15 years 16 – 20 years 21 – 25 years 25+ years

Infrastructure & Operations Software Development / Engineering Business Analysis / Project Management Data & Analytics Security / Compliance Non-IT Business Role

Financial Services / Banking / Insurance Healthcare / Life Sciences Manufacturing / Industrial / Automotive Retail / CPG / E-commerce Government / Public Sector / Education Technology / Software / Telecom Professional Services / Consulting

Core IT/technical Data / analytics / architecture Business / functional management Consulting / advisory Academia / research Other

Primarily technical leader Primarily business/managerial leader Hybrid (balanced technical and business focus)

Yes No

1 - Not involved 2 3 - Moderately involved 4 5 - Deeply involved

Strategic sponsor only Sponsor and governance oversight Co‑leader with strong technical input Technical leader / architect Other

Level 1 (Initial)

I am aware of major tech trends via mainstream news, but do not formally analyze their impact on our business model.

Level 2 (Basic)

I actively monitor trends and understand scenario planning basics. I contribute to strategic discussions but lack a systematic foresight process.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead structured foresight processes and maintain intelligence networks to identify 'weak signals' of disruption.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I position the organization ahead of disruptions by anticipating second/third-order effects. My foresight drives competitive advantage.

Level 5 (Expert)

I am a thought leader whose insights shape the industry. I enable the organization to pioneer new markets based on predictions.

Level 1 (Initial)

I understand business strategy but rely on standard frameworks. I struggle to link IT projects to specific business outcomes.

Level 2 (Basic)

I translate business requirements into technical needs. I play a supporting role rather than leading strategy formulation.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead alignment processes and transformation programs. I proactively fix 'alignment gaps' between tech and business.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I anticipate business needs. My transformation approach creates competitive advantages that are hard to replicate.

Level 5 (Expert)

I seamlessly integrate IT and Business strategy. My innovative alignment approaches drive fundamental organizational change.

Level 1 (Initial)

I am aware of regulations but rely heavily on legal/compliance teams to tell me what to do.

Level 2 (Basic)

I manage basic compliance and understand frameworks. I require oversight for complex cross-domain governance.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead integrated governance initiatives. I effectively manage audit relationships and improve control effectiveness.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I anticipate regulatory changes and adjust proactively. My governance framework is a model of excellence.

Level 5 (Expert)

I pioneer innovative governance models allowing safe operation in high-risk environments where others cannot.

Level 1 (Initial)

I identify systems/workflows but rely on existing docs. I view business and tech architectures as separate.

Level 2 (Basic)

I document current-state architectures and identify basic optimizations. I understand business-tech relationships.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I design comprehensive blueprints aligning business with tech. I lead integrated architecture initiatives.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I design breakthrough architectural solutions solving complex interdependencies beyond traditional methods.

Level 5 (Expert)

I pioneer new architectural approaches (e.g., platform-based) enabling entirely new business models.

Level 1 (Initial)

I recognize data quality importance but rely on specialists. I do not yet drive data strategy.

Level 2 (Basic)

I participate in data strategy discussions and evaluate tools. I begin identifying data-driven opportunities.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead initiatives building data literacy and culture. I oversee analytics deployment that improves decision-making.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I leverage advanced analytics (ML, AI) for competitive advantage and build a mature data-driven culture.

Level 5 (Expert)

I pioneer new data monetization approaches that fundamentally transform how the organization competes.

Level 1 (Initial)

I understand basic threats but rely on policies and specialists for decision-making.

Level 2 (Basic)

I participate in security planning/risk assessments. I manage basic ops with oversight.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I design comprehensive strategies and lead initiatives reducing risk. I coordinate security across business units.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I anticipate emerging threats and implement proactive measures (e.g., Zero Trust). My security posture enables innovation.

Level 5 (Expert)

I pioneer innovative security approaches influencing industry standards and enabling new business models in high-threat environments.

Level 1 (Initial)

I understand basic components but rely on technical staff. Focus mostly on 'keeping the lights on'.

Level 2 (Basic)

I manage basic ops and participate in planning. I understand cloud concepts and identify modernization opportunities.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead initiatives improving reliability/cost-efficiency. I coordinate complex hybrid/cloud environments effectively.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I design breakthrough solutions (e.g., edge, serverless) enabling capabilities beyond traditional approaches.

Level 5 (Expert)

My infrastructure strategy enables business models competitors cannot replicate. I influence industry practices.

Level 1 (Initial)

I understand basics but rely on templates. Focus is on task completion rather than value delivery.

Level 2 (Basic)

I lead small-medium projects with supervision. I can adapt methodologies based on context.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I manage complex portfolios. I demonstrate expertise in risk/stakeholder management, meeting business objectives.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I manage highly complex strategic initiatives involving significant change. My practices are a model for the organization.

Level 5 (Expert)

I deliver 'impossible' initiatives. I pioneer new approaches enabling radical business transformation.

Level 1 (Initial)

I recognize importance but rely on external guidance. Focus mostly on execution rather than ideation.

Level 2 (Basic)

I manage basic innovation projects and understand Design Thinking. I identify opportunities and start building partnerships.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead initiatives delivering measurable value. I manage innovation partnerships effectively.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I anticipate trends and implement strategies creating market leadership. Recognized as a leader in advancement.

Level 5 (Expert)

I pioneer new innovation management approaches influencing the industry, enabling new forms of competitive advantage.

Level 1 (Initial)

I can identify digital business models but rely on established patterns for our strategy.

Level 2 (Basic)

I contribute to business model design/validation. I understand how to apply digital capabilities to existing models.

Level 3 (Intermediate)

I lead initiatives creating new digital revenue streams. I validate business models through rigorous testing.

Level 4 (Advanced)

I design breakthrough business models creating new market categories. My innovations contribute to sustained differentiation.

Level 5 (Expert)

I fundamentally transform how the industry creates value. My business model innovations influence industry standards.