CIOs need 'non IT training' skills boost

Chief information officers (CIOs) could be required to undergo training or gain other experience in non-IT skills areas in order to keep up with the integration of IT and business, a survey suggests.

A poll conducted by Gartner questioned 1,400 CIOs and found businesses were looking for employees with a broader skills base.

Gartner thought it was important for CIOs to have business management experience, possibly in areas other than IT.

Analyst and Gartner fellow Ken McGee, said: "Professional qualifications and competence are still necessary for those wanting to become CIOs, but these qualities will not be sufficient in the coming years."

The Gartner research also revealed that CIOs are developing bespoke applications to retain customers because generic products are not unique enough.

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1979, Gartner has 3,900 associates, 1,200 of which are research analysts and consultants, across 75 countries.

On its website the company states it has 0,000 clients in 10,000 organisations.