Chief technology officer CTO

The term Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is relatively recent role normally referring to a senior executive of a company who is responsible for that company's technological vision and strategy. The role focusses on the use of technology to meet business goals, and client needs through the use of innovative technology, overseeing technological development and infrastructure, managing technical teams, staying up to date with current trends. Such roles may also established for institutions, public bodies and even for whole cities, often aligning to smart city aspirations.

A similar or related role is that of Chief Digital Officer (CDO), usually a senior executive whom has responsibility to lead a the digital transformation of a company, institution, public body or city by overseeing the strategy (again can be smart city related), technology, and culture needed to integrate digital innovation across an organisation or geographical area. It might be said that the CDO role is focussed more on the what and why of creating digital change, using digital tools, campaigns, and data values or strategies. The CTO is perhaps more concerned with the how of making a transformation relating to longer term tech strategies including infrastructure, engineering, design and management.

The UK Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework defines a Chief technology officer as an "organisation's technology strategist. They make decisions about the technical direction of the organisation and work closely with other senior leaders. In this role, (you) will:

• create a strategy and vision for technology that aligns with the organisation’s broader strategy and enables the organisation to achieve its objectives
• lead the organisation in implementing the technology strategy
• advocate for technology as a critical part of the organisation’s broader strategy
• evaluate the organisation’s range of technologies and which technologies it needs
• put in place a technology architecture that provides a reliable and permanent infrastructure
• ensure systems and services are continuously operational and resistant to attacks and disasters
• enable the organisation to be innovative and adopt new technologies that offer value
• work within appropriate levels of risk
• ensure people have the tools, technical skills and working environment they need
• create working practices and process that support effective delivery
• A specific chief technology officer job can vary depending on the context and challenges in your organisation.
• This role is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of: SCS 1/2 (Senior Civil Service 1/2)"

The UK Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework defines a Chief digital and information officer as one who "shapes and enables the delivery of the organisation’s strategy through digital, data and technology. They develop partnerships across the organisation to design and deliver better outcomes that make lives easier. In this role, (you) will:

• lead innovative strategies that deliver the organisation's objectives
• identify and act on the changing landscape of digital, data and technology
• enable the use of innovative approaches and emerging technologies whilst ensuring inclusivity, security and ethical practices
• oversee the delivery, management and maintenance of sustainable digital solutions that meet strategic goals and user needs
• ensure data and technology architecture decisions support scalability, reusability and interoperability across government
• ensure the organisation remains safe, secure and resilient to cyber threats and attacks
• negotiate and secure investment for digital, data and technology
• advise on investment priorities across competing demands to maximise benefits and outcomes
• ensure the organisation anticipates and adapts to changes in capability needs
• be a trusted advisor to the board on all matters of digital, data and technology
• A specific chief digital and information officer job can vary depending on the context and challenges in your organisation.
• This role is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of: SCS 2 (Senior Civil Service 2)

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