In the world of AI and Defence, the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) is leading the charge, fostering collaboration between government, industry, academia, and allies for the strategic advantage of the UK Armed Forces. The recent industry engagement day on 27 November, DAIC Connect provided a platform for representatives from various AI companies with a Defence focus to come together and discuss the latest plans and innovations in the field.

In today's rapidly changing world, one thing remains constant - the need for security. So how can the UK’s defence industry defend against cyber security threats? With defence supply chain vulnerabilities identified as a key target, how can it be defended successfully?

Are business leaders seriously jeopardising the legacy of their business for short-term gain? How can business leaders achieve their ESG commitments cost-effectively? What pathways and dependencies enable businesses to grow and not simply defend in ESG? And given the current macroeconomic environment, where are the successes for us to learn from?

CONTENTS 2023: A Challenge or an Opportunity for Financial Services? Financial services perceive more risk than other Industries Financial Services Strategy in 2023 Financial Services Mindset in 2023 Financial Services Technology in 2023 What have we learnt from the Chief Disruptor Community?

Introduction

How are C-level technology and information leaders navigating increasingly choppy and murky waters? Is a new playbook emerging for demonstrating top-and-bottom-line benefits from technology investments? And what new paradigms are developing to balance profitability with purpose?

On Wednesday 25 January 2023, Chief Disruptor held the British Army Digital Transformation Conference at the Cavalry and Guards Club. The conference, attended by Chief Disruptor members, the British Army, as well as technology leaders from across Defence, focused on the Army’s Digital Transformation Programme (Programme THEIA).

How can CIOs stay on the path to net zero while also dealing with market volatilities, digital transformation, and rising inflationary pressures?

Sales and marketing teams have been under immense pressure from the unpredictability and uncertainty of the last 2 years and, arguably, today’s business environment is more competitive than ever. Now, organisations are realising the need to accelerate sales technology innovation to adapt to changing markets. However, this process is often hampered by outdated tools, ineffective human processes and poor forecasting. What emerges is a widening sales execution gap, the gap between potential and actual performance. Nimbus Ninety, in partnership with Outreach, brought members together to discuss strategies for building a data-driven, future-fit sales strategy that can meet the buying expectations of a digital-first world.

Cyber and ransomware attacks have bumped up the priority list of board-level decision makers, and for good reason - 75% of UK businesses have been affected by an attack. However, what is often overlooked is the role of technology risk management. Organisations now have more distributed, complex and, ultimately, risky, technology infrastructure than ever before. Hybrid working, supply chain challenges, as well as untracked mispractice, such as unsanctioned applications and password files, are adding to this complex picture. And, with out-of-date, inaccurate and manual technology risk management, tech and business leaders aren’t always well equipped to tackle the growing level of technology risk. It is, therefore, a crucial time to embrace and further a new, data-driven technology risk management paradigm. Nimbus Ninety, in partnership with Tanium, brought together technology and business leaders to share experiences of implementing, adopting and communicating a new approach to technology risk management. The evening, full of insightful debate, cat stories and food, began with a scene-setter from Oliver Cronk, Chief IT Architect for EMEA at Tanium.