CIOs biz confidence rises as IT spending ups

According to the annual Harvey Nash CIO/IT Director survey, firms reporting an increase in IT spending indicated that it was a significant amount, at 18 per cent on average.

"It seems as though the recovery is finally starting to take hold," said Simon La Fosse, director at Harvey Nash, in a statement.

"The survey shows that from a CIO's perspective, the focus is shifting towards the next big thing, indicating that the swing from cost containment to innovation has started."

But CIOs are still struggling to make their make voices heard. Only 15 per cent have a place on the main board, and while over three quarters believe they should report to the chief executive, less than half actually do.

La Fosse suggested that CIOs need to address larger, strategic issues within the organisation if they are to be considered equal with board members.

"The need for a sound IT strategy and strong relationships with the board is more important now than it has been for many years," he said.