Report shows digitally savvy boards are powering growth

The Open University’s new ‘Leading in a Digital Age’ report published today (Monday 3 February) has found a clear link between business performance and leaders who are equipped to manage digital change.

Based on a survey of 950 Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and senior leaders within UK organisations, the report found that nine in 10 (88%) leaders who had received digital training in the past year went on to report organisational growth, compared with less than half (49%) who had not received any training.

The report reveals that when the development of digital skills is led from the top through investing in learning and development, organisations are well placed to address the challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the digital age.

Professor Dev Kodwani, Executive Dean of the Business and Law Schools, wrote the report’s introduction together with OU colleague Professor Arosha Bandara, who is Head of School for Computing and Communications.

The featured case study is Patrick Clyne who has just finished his MBA in Technology Management. Patrick was working with Southern Water in Brighton when he began his studies and has risen through the ranks at his current employer, Mott Macdonald. He had responded to a call-out from the Stakeholder and Alumni Engagement team for recent graduates.

You can download the report and read more of the findings and reaction here.

Watch a video below which has been produced to accompany the report.