As 2012 is coming to a close, it’s that time of year where we start to think about our IT priorities for next year. All around we see articles on predictions, trends and things we really must think about…

Every year I read the IDC UK IT Services Report to give me a sense of what’s happening in the market and where the CIO agenda is heading.

One thing that struck me as particularly interesting this time was the Top IT Strategy Priorities.

Last year the priority was improving alignment with the business, followed by delivering an efficient IT service and that everything was delivered as cost effectively as possible. This year something has changed.

Here are the results of the main priority for UK CIOs

• 29% Improving IT service levels / service quality
• 29% Making the business more cost effective
• 23% Reducing the cost of IT
• 18% Improving the alignment of IT with business needs
• 1% other

The really interesting point to note for me here is the key role CIOs see they have in making the business as a whole more cost effective not just the IT department. This is a significant move in the last year from this report. So does this mean the CIO has arrived at the board table and now feels more accountable for helping to drive the business forward rather than just supporting it? It certainly feels like it.

What are your priorities for 2013 and are you feeling responsible for making the business more cost effective?