Companies fit for the future are outpacing their competitors. They have succeeded by delivering on business growth, innovation, and sustainability. Their forward-thinking and agility have enabled them to navigate through uncertainty.

Here are some highlights from our Future Fit data, which show how organisations that effectively integrate sustainability into their operations and projects are better positioned to thrive in the evolving TMT landscape. Our research identifies the mindset and competencies required to drive growth and profitability, providing a blueprint for others to follow.

• Recognise the interconnectedness of different business pillars and leverage these links for more impactful actions.
• Be practical about artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to streamline operations. Start with internal applications before developing AI-based products and services for customers.
• Pursue an M&A strategy aligned with your organic growth strategy to enhance your core capabilities, rather than just seeking low-cost acquisitions that could bring technical debt.

TMT businesses operate in a fiercely competitive marketplace where innovation is critical for maintaining a competitive edge. Our latest research, based on a survey of businesses across the TMT sector, reveals that industry leaders view securing the best talent as the key to unlocking this innovation.

Through direct recruitment, internal academies and strategic partnerships, these forward-thinking businesses are laser-focused on acquiring the necessary skills and expertise.

• Identify and map the skills the business will need as it evolves and implement a strategy for securing these skills over the short, medium and long term.
• Adopt a wide range of recruitment tools, including leveraging links with schools, colleges and universities. Many firms have already established their own talent academies.
• Be imaginative about retention – ask employees what they most want from work and tailor your offerings accordingly.

Despite the rapid pace of technological change, proactive planning for future skills is essential. Our data shows that 22% of TMT businesses have already mapped their long-term skills requirements and partner with external organisations to meet these needs.

While remote and hybrid working are prevalent, younger employees often value in-person opportunities for career development. “Striking the right balance is crucial for retention,” Neil says. However, even the best employers may struggle to secure the talent they need due to sector-wide shortages.

Leading TMT businesses already address this by growing their own talent through initiatives such as talent academies for school leavers, apprenticeship schemes and university sponsorships.

• Define the organisation’s purpose with environmental and social goals aligned with commercial strategy.
• Engage employees in conversations about sustainability and purpose.
• Partner with industry peers and third parties to access a wider range of sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability presents an additional opportunity for TMT employers to attract talent. Our research indicates that 51% of leading TMT businesses give staff opportunities to contribute to sustainability activities and 61% incorporate sustainability contributions into employee performance reviews.

Despite the sector's historical focus on innovation over environmental impact, 80% of TMT businesses surveyed view sustainability as a constant demand on senior leaders’ time and attention.

“This pressure is coming from their talent,” Neil says. “Employees are pushing senior leaders to take action and leaders are increasingly realising there’s a lot they can do – on environmental challenges and social responsibility.”

• Identify business problems that need solving and focus on how emerging technologies could help.
• Start with AI applications that improve productivity and gradually explore more complex use cases.
• Become a data-driven organisation by investing in data analytics capabilities.

To maintain competitiveness, TMT businesses must embrace technology innovation as an ongoing imperative, continually experimenting with new tools and capabilities.

Our research shows 50% of TMT businesses have already begun to implement AI capabilities. Consider starting with AI applications that improve productivity and gradually expand to more complex use cases.

Only 7% of TMT businesses currently use real-time data with advanced analytics and 21% use data analysis for significant decisions. However, 75% agree that their future success depends on their ability to collect, manage and analyse data.

“TMT businesses continually talk to their clients about implementing new technologies, but they need to do the same within their own businesses,” Neil says. “Think about how technology could improve productivity and innovation, and strategically apply AI in your business.”

• Identify business problems that could be solved through partnerships, leveraging new technologies.
• Expand your industry ecosystem by being open to new partnerships.
• Focus closely on supply chain risk and resilience, especially for operations relying on physical goods.

Collaboration across the value chain is crucial for future fitness. Leading TMT businesses expand their industry ecosystems through strategic partnerships.

“Many TMT companies are comfortable reselling and partnering with other firms in the long-established IT sales channel,” Neil explains. “This creates an opportunity for more strategic collaboration and co-creation, particularly in areas like AI and cloud computing solutions.”

While supply chain management is less of a focus for TMT businesses, more than half have implemented supply chain risk modelling and traceability tools. Overall, 75% prioritise supply chain resilience over speed and cost.

Strong leadership is essential to navigating the complexities of the TMT sector. Our research highlights the need for focused discussions at board level about strategic objectives.

Neil says: “The hype cycle in TMT is strong, so leaders need to think carefully about where to focus investment for maximum return.”

By acting now to prioritise change, your business could be more ready to boost future resilience, meet market demand, reduce costs, or access capital. Find out about all the ways we could support you here: 

Technology, Media and Telecoms

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