The increasing focus on big data and data consolidation across mainland China is fuelling demand for data analysts and developers and giving cause for optimism in the technology sector over the next 12 months, according to findings from the 2015 Michael Page Greater China CIO Viewpoint report.

55% of leading IT professionals surveyed believe the technology sector will improve over the coming year, with a further 31% predicting the industry will remain steady. And there’s further good news with 59% of mainland Chinese CIOs stating that headcount will increase over the next 12 months. This finding is higher than the Greater China average (53%) and significantly higher than predictions in Hong Kong, where only 41% of CIOs predict their headcount will grow.

In terms of current priorities, CIOs say their main focus is on operations, showing an emphasis on the stability and sustainability of their day-to-day functions. But, going forward, the focus will shift to improving processes such as data consolidation and applications. Improving experiences on mobile platforms has also been nominated as the top area for new technology spending in 2016, showing a clear shift in business operations toward a more customer service-based focus.

IT budgets are another key area of the report, with findings suggesting technology leaders across mainland China are being given more to work with. 58% of CIOs state that their budgets have increased over the past year – 9% higher than the Greater China average – and 61% say that between 1 and 5% of their company’s revenue is reinvested into IT. There is reason to think that companies are starting to realise that technology can drive the bottom line through improved productivity, efficiency and cost savings, as well as perhaps to cover the costs of an increasing focus on customer service, which doesn’t come cheap.

CIOs in mainland China are getting more involved in making decisions with business leaders and determining outcomes that are related to the entire business cycle. This points towards the growing importance of technology in supporting business growth, particularly in industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and retail, where these capabilities will be crucial. <

Michael Page