In a move that highlights the shift towards digital transformation, over 90% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in India are gearing up to increase their spending on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, said a report.
According to survey by Canva, an overwhelming majority of Indian IT leaders (93%) plans to enhance their AI budgets significantly, with more than half forecasting a budget surge exceeding 50%.
The company said that this accelerated focus on AI investment reflects a broader recognition of its potential to address various challenges, including the management of application sprawl—a condition exacerbated by the rapid proliferation of new apps in the workplace.
The Canva survey highlights that 88% of CIOs view application sprawl as a challenge, with nearly half expressing serious concerns about the rising complexity it brings. However, the adoption of AI is seen as a key solution, with its capability to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and provide insightful data to inform strategic decisions.
The drive towards increased AI spending is also motivated by the need to alleviate the pressures faced by IT teams. According to the survey, 55% of CIOs report a lack of sufficient staff to train employees on new applications, indicating a critical gap that AI tools could help bridge by simplifying tech landscapes and making user-friendly tools a priority.
Despite the enthusiasm for AI, the survey also sheds light on the challenges ahead. A significant 89% of respondents voiced concerns over the difficulty of selecting the right AI tools amidst a crowded marketplace, pointing to the need for strategic discernment in adopting technologies that truly enhance productivity and business outcomes.
“Navigating the avalanche of new technologies designed to make business easier is proving to be harder than ever. The balancing act CIOs face is unenviable: innovate with AI but don't contribute to app sprawl,” said Cameron Adams, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Canva.
“Our findings reinforce that CIOs in India want to be agents of change and innovation, by choosing technology that helps their organisations have a greater impact while consolidating cost and reducing complexity,” he added.
Canva said that it conducted the survey across the globe, including major economies like India, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia to gauge the strategic priorities and challenges faced by CIOs.
