3 ways IT can fuel business growth while sparking innovation

IT departments are no longer just support functions. They've evolved into key drivers of business growth and innovation. Yet, only 9% of IT leaders currently see their role as to support business growth.  

At its best, an IT department can significantly enhance productivity, streamline operations, and lead a culture of innovation, all while maintaining security and brand trust. 

Why IT is no longer a cost center 

IT has traditionally been viewed as a cost center because its role has been limited to maintaining infrastructure, managing systems, and providing support. These are functions that are essential, but don't directly generate revenue. Their focus was on keeping operations running smoothly, troubleshooting issues, and managing expenses, rather than contributing to business growth or innovation.  

This meant IT departments were often seen as necessary, but expensive. Their value was measured primarily by how well they could minimize costs and avoid disruptions, rather than drive profitability or provide a competitive advantage. 

But this view is starting to change. Many businesses recognize that IT can actually play a critical role in driving growth and innovation, not just in supporting operations.  

With the rise of digital transformation, automation, and technologies like AI and cloud computing, IT can now directly enable business initiatives that increase productivity, improve customer experiences, and create new revenue streams.  

In fact, it can be argued that the main role of IT is to use technology to create competitive advantages, foster innovation, and align with broader business goals. This shift means IT is a strategic partner, not a cost center. 

Read on to see how you can shift your IT department to a key business growth driver. 

Top tips for IT to fuel business growth and spark innovation 

1. Lay the right foundations 

By streamlining repetitive tasks, IT teams get more time to focus on strategy and growth. This foundational step improves productivity and lets organizations explore new ideas and technologies without getting bogged down by manual processes.  

Here’s how IT teams can lay the foundations to free up valuable time: 

a. Improving productivity with technology 

Technology is the first puzzle piece when it comes to improving productivity.  IT departments can simplify processes by deploying automation, cloud computing, and data management systems to do the heavy lifting. These technologies help businesses scale by making day-to-day tasks faster and more efficient, letting teams get more done without hiring additional staff or investing in costly infrastructure. 

b. The power of digital transformation 

Digital transformation may be seen to be a buzzword, but it’s actually key to streamlining operations. Real-time collaboration platforms and cloud-based solutions let businesses cut costs, improve speed, and simplify internal processes. Digital transformation also allows businesses to scale more efficiently, so that growth isn’t hindered by costly infrastructure upgrades. 

c. Align with business goals 

The last foundational element is to align IT with business objectives. When IT investments are tied to business goals, decisions become data-driven, leading to faster time-to-market and higher profitability. Companies that integrate IT into their core strategies see better outcomes. 

Consider a company that embeds IT into its business plan. By using data analytics and automated reporting, they can make smarter decisions, cut inefficiencies, and scale faster than competitors. 

2. Build a culture of innovation 

Once the foundations have been laid, innovation takes center stage. And this is where IT comes in.  

By removing any friction, and providing the latest technologies, IT departments empower employees to think outside the box. IT-led innovation hubs can serve as testing grounds for new ideas and encourage experimentation. 

Adopt emerging technologies 

To stay competitive, businesses need to adopt the latest IT solutions. Technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT can open doors to new product and service offerings, as well as new ways of engaging customers. Businesses that embrace these technologies position themselves for long-term innovation and market differentiation. 

3. Embrace security and trust as a growth driver 

Technology and innovation are great, but you can’t grow a business without trust. Trust is the backbone of a strong brand, and even the best brands are just one cyberattack away from undoing years of hard work. Growth without security is unsustainable. 

As businesses grow, they become more attractive targets for cyberattacks. Robust cybersecurity measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure networks are essential for protecting assets and customer data. Securing innovation 

New technologies come with new risks. Without strong security, innovation efforts can backfire. A data breach during a new software launch or a hacked IoT device can ruin customer trust and halt progress. That’s why cybersecurity must grow alongside innovation, ensuring new solutions are safe from the start. 

Carving a competitive advantage through IT and security 

Businesses that integrate IT-driven growth, innovation, and cybersecurity gain a real advantage for many reasons. By balancing these factors, companies can grow sustainably and sustain success over time. This also makes them more resilient during an economic downturn.  

But sustainable growth and innovation don’t happen in a vacuum; they require a secure foundation. By aligning IT strategies with business goals, creating a culture of innovation, and prioritizing security, businesses can set themselves up for sustained success.