Technology and innovation must be prioritised in all departments, not just IT and digital, says Mark Jenkins, Chief Service Officer at MHR
For decades, technology has been seen as the sole responsibility of IT teams within an organisation. Companies have expanded their IT departments to manage increasingly complex digital infrastructure and tech stacks, believing that a centralised approach was the best way to maintain control and ensure all digital compliance is met. However, this model has its limitations.
When all ideas and new tech solutions are funnelled through a single department, businesses miss out on the valuable insights of challenges faced by other functions across the organisation. This traditional, siloed approach can create a bottleneck that slows down progress. And with our research showing that nearly 20% of employees believe that a lack of innovation is holding their organisation back from being truly high performing, it’s clear a new approach is needed to realise a business’s growth potential.
Encouraging innovation beyond the tech team
The future of innovation lies in recognising that technology is not the exclusive domain of an IT department. Employees across every function, from HR and sales to finance and operations, have an in-depth understanding of the challenges they face daily. Meaning they can develop practical solutions that are both effective and tailored to their specific needs.
Rather than waiting for the IT department to validate or implement new ideas, employees should be encouraged to take the initiative and apply technology directly to the problems they encounter. This shift is not about sidelining IT teams, but instead about building a more collaborative, agile business where every team member plays a part in driving tech change.
The rise of the citizen developer
One of the most promising outcomes of this shift is the emergence of ‘citizen developers’. These are employees who may not have formal technical training, yet they have the necessary insights to create meaningful solutions for their departments. With tools like low-code and no-code platforms, individuals from any organisational function can develop and deploy applications quickly and efficiently. This not only speeds up the process of innovation, but also relieves some of the pressure on professional IT teams who can then focus on more complex challenges.
The concept of a citizen developer is about recognising that innovation isn’t reserved for those with coding skills; it’s about using the unique expertise that each employee brings to the table, to create a culture of technology that is dynamic, inclusive and responsive to the real needs of the business.
Overcoming resistance to change
Shifting away from a centralised innovation model is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the resistance to change that often exists within organisations. For many, the idea of handing over digital innovation to those with little technical experience may seem risky. However, when approached with the right guidelines and support, this mindset change can be effectively managed.
Building a culture that embraces digital literacy and continuous learning is key. Providing ongoing support, celebrating small wins, and sharing success stories can help non-technical employees feel more confident in their ability to use technology to solve problems. The transformation is gradual but rewarding, as each success not only solves a specific problem, but also builds a foundation for a more innovative and adaptable workforce.
Another challenge lies in ensuring that governance remains front and centre when implementing any new solution across an organisation. Governance teams play a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of any new tech and aligning efforts toward shared business objectives. Rather than hindering progress, strong governance can lead to greater collaboration as employees from different departments work alongside relevant teams to develop a deeper understanding of the business.
Redefining the role of IT
It’s important to acknowledge that IT teams will always play a crucial role in an organisation. Their expertise in digital governance, security, and managing large-scale digital transformations will remain indispensable.
However, as the role of technology evolves, so too should the function of IT. Rather than being the gatekeepers of all technological change, IT should transition into a role that empowers and supports other departments. This approach means that technology serves as a shared resource, aligning the technical capabilities of the IT team with the operational insights of other departments. The goal is to create a seamless environment where innovation flows naturally throughout an organisation, breaking down the silos that once restricted progress.
A collaborative path to the future
For businesses today, the ability to adapt quickly and innovate continuously is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Organisations that encourage a culture of tech empowerment and cross-department collaboration are the ones best positioned to thrive, given they’re removing internal threats and focusing on managing external challenges, such as increasing competition, waning customer loyalty and rising business costs.
The opportunity to innovate is not the privilege of a select few, but the right of all employees. By democratising technology and embracing the power of citizen developers, companies can build a future where technology serves everyone, and challenges are met with a proactive and considered response.
