More than half of IT leaders (53%) say IT is becoming ever more involved in managing major change within their organisations.

According to new research from IT recruiter Modis, this includes devising new supply chain solutions, and developing CRM and sales activity to deliver commercial advantages.

Meanwhile, 40% of IT leaders report that forecasting customer behaviour and market changes is also now part of their role, twice the proportion compared to a year ago.

Jim Albert, managing director, Modis International, says: “Perhaps the most significant change for the IT industry in 2010 was its evolution from commodity to strategic asset and this trend will gather momentum in 2011. The need to be more commercially-minded and customer-focused is driving this shift.”