IT operating models remain unfit for the AI era, CEOs say

2026-06-18 · Source: Information and Enterprise Technology News | CIO Dive - Www.ciodive.com · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

A Gartner report, published June 18, 2026, reveals that over 70% of CEOs consider their organization's IT operating model unfit for the AI era, citing rigid frameworks that impede rapid technology adoption. The report highlights rapid AI disruption, geopolitical volatility, and the widespread proliferation of AI as key challenges for traditional IT structures. Only 24% of CIOs believe their current models can adapt to evolving business needs, leading to a significant disconnect between executive expectations and delivery capabilities. Historically centralized IT models are now liabilities as AI initiatives and business-led technology investments decentralize decision-making, yet CIOs remain accountable for risk and value. Gartner advocates for a shift from command-and-control to an "orchestration-focused technology operating model" that distributes ownership across IT, business, partners, and AI systems. The firm also predicts 9 in 10 IT managers expect AI to increase its role in delivery, with 71% anticipating more shared services and a shift from external labor to AI-enabled internal teams for higher-value tasks.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and Directors of AI/ML grappling with AI integration, your traditional IT operating model is likely a bottleneck. You should transition from a centralized command-and-control structure to an orchestration-focused "technology operating model". This involves distributing technology ownership across business units and embedding governance directly into operational processes. Prioritize reallocating resources to AI-enabled internal teams and expanding shared services to enhance agility and value creation, ensuring your organization can adapt to rapid AI disruption.

Key insights

Traditional IT operating models are failing to adapt to AI's rapid disruption and distributed technology ownership.

Principles

• Centralized IT models hinder AI adoption.
• Distribute technology ownership for agility.
• Embed governance into operating processes.

Method

Gartner proposes a "technology operating model" focused on orchestration, distributing ownership across IT, business leaders, external partners, and AI-enabled systems, moving away from command-and-control.

In practice

• Shift resources to AI-enabled internal teams.
• Increase shared services for technology delivery.
• Integrate decision rights into operational workflows.

Topics

• IT Operating Models
• AI Integration
• Technology Governance
• Distributed Ownership
• CIO Strategy
• Workforce Transformation

Best for: VP of Engineering/Data, Executive, CTO, Director of AI/ML, Consultant

Related on AIssential

• Scaling AI calls for a revamped operating model — Scaling enterprise AI demands a complete operating model reinvention, integrating AI into core systems with robust governance and workforce readiness.
• Think 2026: IBM Delivers the Blueprint for the AI Operating Model as the AI Divide Widens — IBM's new operating model integrates agents, real-time data, automation, and hybrid cloud for scalable enterprise AI.
• What CIOs Are Doing To Evolve Operating Models And Talent — Evolving IT operating models and talent is crucial for CIOs to translate strategy into measurable business outcomes.
• Exclusive: UiPath CMO Michael Atalla on AI at work — Successful AI adoption requires orchestrating agents, automation, and people within governed workflows, not just deploying isolated tools.
• The gap is widening — Autonomous AI agents represent a new paradigm, but their emergent complexity creates significant enterprise adoption and risk management challenges.
• From Hierarchy to Intelligence — AI can replace traditional organizational hierarchy's coordination functions, enabling intelligence-driven companies to achieve greater speed and adaptability.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Information and Enterprise Technology News | CIO Dive - Www.ciodive.com.