State of IT in Europe 03 Technology Innovation Powers Business 9 Differentiation and Disruption IT plays a key role in meeting new expectations for European IT Leaders Say IT Is a Guiding Light into New Markets customer care, but it also needs to innovate around IT teams can propel their firms into new territories and markets, disrupt industries new products, services and delivery. and enable businesses to grow. High-Performing vs. Underperforming European IT Leaders 4.0x more likely to say innovation for industry disruption is a critical priority over the next 12–18 months 79% of European IT leaders believe IT teams can help companies to disrupt the that IT is the primary enabler marketplace, but they can also go further. Nearly of businesses entering new four-fifths of European IT leaders believe IT is the markets/exploring new primary enabler of businesses entering new markets opportunities in the next or exploring new opportunities. 12–18 months IT is no longer an isolated function operating separately from the business — it needs to be the disruptor and the innovator, while reaching every customer and providing them with a consistent, high level of service. Two-thirds (66%) of European IT leaders say innovation for competitive differentiation is a critical or high priority for their organisation over the next 12–18 months. Salesforce Research