Developing a Strategic Technology Plan by James Jones

James Roland Jones says developing a strategic technology plan, which is in line with your organization’s overall strategy, can help you to manage technological changes and direct your technology spending in future years. Planning for technology, as well as developing longer-term strategic goals, will help your organization thrive in this modern world. Clearly defining your strategic goals and how technology will help achieve those goals is the key step in building a successful IT strategy.

A tech strategy provides for long-term vision, with an eye toward the future, looking over the horizon to try and anticipate what an organization’s business needs will be, taking market and competitive factors into account. Planning for the technology strategy is usually done by an organization’s chief technology officer (CTO) in conjunction with senior managers in other business units and executive teams. With a technology strategic plan, an organization can predict and plan resources for purchasing, implementing, training, and deploying selected solutions.
Just like with other business functions, each organization needs a thoughtful, well-developed technology plan. In order for an enterprise to have a successful strategy to manage technology and innovation, it is critical for the organization to be prepared to undertake this endeavor. Management of technology and innovation needs to balance short-term efficiency with long-term effects on the marketplace if a firm is to drive value and thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Those managing technology change must frequently function both as technology designers and as implementers.