IT Navigating Crises: Trade Wars, Tax Hikes, and Digital Disruption Present Opportunity for IT Departments, Says Info-Tech Research Group

As 2025 unfolds with economic uncertainty and growing regulatory demands, IT leadership is more crucial than ever. Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group has published findings that reveal how IT is poised to turn crisis into resilience and lead transformative change in the current climate.

TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Facing reduced budgets, fluctuating global trade conditions, and evolving regulatory demands, organizations are operating in a climate of mounting complexity. Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group reports that IT departments are being called on to do more than maintain systems; they must keep operations steady, support strategic innovation, and manage growing risks even as resources become tighter and staffing challenges persist.

To support technology leaders in meeting these demands, Info-Tech has published new research, Adapt to Uncertainty With a Technology-First Action Plan. The firm's resource articulates practical, data-backed strategies for CIOs to respond to disruption with clarity and use technology to strengthen resilience and drive sustainable growth within organizations.

"Every single CIO has been impacted by financial constraints, tariff and regulatory changes, and workforce challenges. It is not a matter of if, but when", says Brittany Lutes, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "The impact of these disruptions is causing a ripple through the organization, forcing many to act defensively, when history has shown those who operate offensively are rewarded."

Info-Tech's newly published research highlights how, in 2025, organizations faced a series of disruptive macro vulnerabilities that reshaped operations: Budget cuts led to tighter spending controls, trade tensions disrupted supply chains, and new regulations introduced complex demands across taxation, labor, environment, and vendor oversight. The firm's experts warn that expanding government involvement in these areas requires close attention to avoid costly setbacks.

Against this backdrop of increasing complexity, IT's role has become indispensable. Info-Tech's insights show that by identifying risks early and managing costs wisely, IT leaders can stabilize operations and drive meaningful progress.

The Adapt to Uncertainty With a Technology-First Action Plan blueprint outlines six key focus areas for IT leaders to navigate uncertainty and position their organizations for success:

1. Lead the organization, not just IT: Start by assessing how global uncertainty is affecting the broader business, not just the technology function. From there, identify mitigation strategies based on the likelihood and immediacy of impact. To stay ahead of disruption, develop and communicate a clear technology-first action plan that empowers the organization to respond with agility and resilience.
2. Fund innovation by cutting costs: Go beyond meeting basic cost-cutting mandates by identifying opportunities to significantly reduce spending across the organization. Use the savings to reallocate budget, talent, and resources toward strategic initiatives that drive innovation and long-term value.
3. Pursue IT excellence: Do not let uncertainty derail the path to systematically pursuing IT excellence. Instead, CIOs and IT teams are advised to focus on the capabilities proven to have the highest impact.
4. Build an adaptive workforce: Prioritize knowledge retention and internal skill development to stay ahead of talent shortages and shifting workforce dynamics caused by global uncertainty.
5. Slash the AI transformation timeline: Rather than relying on long-term transformation roadmaps, focus on achieving tangible ROI by tapping into vendor capabilities and using the freed-up resources to accelerate business outcomes.
6. Execute and prepare to pivot: Establish clear processes to implement the action plan, monitor progress closely, and adjust quickly to stay aligned with shifting priorities.

"Change is inevitable, but it does not have to be hard. Establish adaptive practices in your change plan to ensure that it remains on track and continuously moving in the right direction," explains Lutes.

The firm's study highlights that organizations that accelerated digital transformation during the pandemic continue to outperform their peers, proving that decisive investment in technology yields long-term benefits even in times of uncertainty.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Brittany Lutes, an expert in organizational design and IT talent management, and access to the complete Adapt to Uncertainty With a Technology-First Action Plan blueprint, please contact [email protected].

To further explore the strategies outlined in the new research, Info-Tech Research Group will host a webinar on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET. The session will offer practical strategies for IT leaders to navigate disruption and drive resilience. Register now.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group