CIO Survey: IT Budgets to Hold Steady in 2012

Executives anticipate a flat IT budget in 2012, as companies focus on attracting new business and sustaining growth, according to a survey released this week by Gartner Executive Programs.

Specifically, surveyed information officers report the average IT budget will grow by a mere 0.5 percent worldwide, while spending plans in Europe and North America are expected to decline. Overall, growth continues to be a top priority among CIOs.

"Technology's role in the enterprise is increasing. This does not mean, however, that the role of the IT organization is increasing," said Mark McDonald, a group vice president at Gartner. "CIOs concentrating on IT as a force of operational automation, integration and control are losing ground to executives who see technology as a business amplifier and source of innovation."

Sixty-one percent of respondents said they plan to improve their mobile capabilities over the next three years. Emerging trends in m-commerce and payment services are also expected to drive a considerable uptick in mobile interest.

CIOs may also have to contend with the loss of top talent in coming months. A recent FPC survey found 79 percent of professionals plan to search for new jobs when the market improves.