The Enterprise Architecture Report: EA's Strategic Role in CIO Decision-Making

The role of the CIO has never been more complex – or more critical. CIOs are expected to deliver transformation at speed, reduce costs, and ensure resilience, all while navigating economic uncertainty and relentless change.

But here’s the reality: 93% of CIOs admit their organizations are not equipped to make fast, informed decisions.

Our 2025 mid-year research, based on survey responses from 500 CIOs and enterprise architects, reveals the critical role that enterprise architecture can play in closing this gap. Enterprise architects have the potential to provide the clarity and insights CIOs need – but only if they’re empowered with the right tools and processes.

Key findings from the report:

• Only 7% of CIOs feel equipped to make fast, informed decisions, citing fragmented systems and a lack of visibility and real-time, trustworthy data.
• 94% of CIOs see EA as a strategic enabler yet 57% of enterprise architects say their insights are underused.
• 60% of enterprise architects report that their current tools can’t keep up with CIO expectations and the demand for real-time, actionable insights.
• 49% of CIOs say delays in accessing insights are impeding decision-making. Enterprise architects agree, with 41% saying their current orchestration tools are too difficult to use.

This isn’t just another industry report – it’s a wake-up call. CIOs and enterprise architects must work together to overcome the barriers to faster, smarter decision-making.