Digital transformation and emerging technologies drive modern business survival, creating unprecedented pressure on technology teams. HPE research spanning 21 markets reveals that 89% of IT leaders believe substantial transformation is non-negotiable for continued success. Yet, this same imperative creates dangerous security vulnerabilities that most organisations struggle to address.

The critical innovation imperative

Organisations are investing heavily in emerging technologies to drive competitiveness. HPE’s research across 21 markets reveals that 91% have deployed or plan to implement 5G, 89% are investing in AI solutions, and 88% are rolling out IoT devices and smart sensors. These investments reflect the widespread recognition (95%) that digitisation directly impacts revenue generation potential.

Yet almost half of respondents (47%) believe their current workplace technologies fail to deliver satisfactory employee experiences, highlighting the urgent need for continued technological evolution.

Security concerns creating innovation barriers

The push for innovation has created significant security vulnerabilities. The survey exposes that 46% of organisations have already experienced security breaches linked to emerging technology implementations, while another 45% consider such breaches highly probable.

These security anxieties actively constrain transformation efforts. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of IT leaders report that breach concerns negatively impact their organisation’s willingness to invest in innovative technologies, with 30% describing this effect as substantial.

Resource limitations compound the challenge

Technology teams operate under severe resource constraints, making proper security implementation increasingly difficult.

More than half (55%) of IT leaders report their teams are already at capacity managing existing demands, while 66% express doubts about keeping pace with accelerating technological change.

Resource limitations and security concerns have created a paralysing tension for many organisations. The result? Only 45% of respondents consider their organisation innovative, while even fewer – just 44% – describe their operations as adequately secured.

Networking infrastructure as the security solution

The research points to networking infrastructure as the critical bridge between innovation and security. Designing networks with Zero Trust principles across all connectivity points — from edge to campus to data centre to cloud — enables innovation while strengthening security posture.

Most IT leaders (64%) intellectually recognise this potential, acknowledging the connection between robust networking and enhanced security outcomes.

However, a significant implementation gap exists. Only 37% feel current networks effectively support emerging technology deployment, less than half believe they enable flexible enterprise security, and just 40% report their network driving intelligent operations.