"The greatest challenges facing modern technology leaders is discerning which of the digital disruptors can be the real game-changers for your business"

Barry Lowry, Government of Ireland CIO believes you should only look at technology through the lens of the benefits or successful outcomes that can be achieved through its use

How long have you been in your current role?

Over 2 years.

What are your day to day responsibilities?

As Government CIO, I am tasked with taking forward the eGovernment Strategy and Public Service ICT Strategy and I would be involved in several EU and OECD working groups. Consequently, I sit on a lot of programme boards, steering groups and various committees and no two days are the same (which is a good thing!).

What is your professional background?

I have worked in ICT for more than 30 years as a developer, team leader, systems analyst, portfolio manager and, for the last several years, CIO.

Barry Lowry has been the Chief Information Officer for the Irish Government since April 2016

How do your particular areas of expertise manifest themselves in your current role?

I would define a CIO as someone who is able to develop ideas to transform a business through ICT and digital and then drive the best of those ideas through to benefits realisation. Expertise in this definition is less important than breadth of understanding of a range of technical issues plus strengths in strategy, business transformation, leadership, empathy and communications.

How do you see your role developing in 5 years’ time?

It is already clear that the European and global dimension of the role is growing as Ireland seeks to position itself as a major digital nation in which to start a business, grow a business, do business in or simply to live and work in.

What advice would you give to someone adopting a CIO role for the first time?

Only look at technology through the lens of the benefits or successful outcomes that can be achieved through its use. Also realise that success is all about people, not the technology per se.

What are the greatest challenges facing modern technology leaders?

Discerning which of the digital disruptors can be the real game-changers for your business.

How do you think a CIO can best support company revenue growth?

Understand the company’s culture and goals and be passionate about using ICT to transform the company’s capability to meet those goals.

Barry Lowry, Government of Ireland CIO, is speaking at the 2018 CIO and IT Leaders’ Summit on September 12 in Croke Parkwww.ciosummit.ie