Reimagining transformation: From platform upgrades to AI-first enterprises

As digital transformation matures, enterprises are shifting from project-based modernisation to systemic reinvention. In this conversation with Dataquest, Annadurai Elango, President – Core Technologies and Insights at Cognizant, shares how AI is redefining the enterprise playbook—from agentic ecosystems and ambient transformation to continuous reinvention that blends intelligence, infrastructure, and impact.

How has digital transformation strategy evolved in response to shifting business conditions?

Digital transformation has evolved from platform upgrades to systemic reinvention. In this new paradigm, transformation is continuous, contextual, and deeply embedded across business functions. Enterprises are now architecting AI-first operating models where AI agents augment human workflows. This shift is driven by the need for speed and adaptability in volatile markets. At Cognizant, we’ve launched the Agent Foundry framework and AI Factory to develop and scale AI-first operating models, enabling clients to move from bolt-on automation to intelligent orchestration—driving resilience, speed, and new revenue streams.

Digital transformation has evolved from platform upgrades to systemic reinvention—continuous, AI-first, and deeply embedded across business functions.

What remains the toughest challenge: aligning budgets with strategy, managing talent, or proving ROI?

Proving ROI is the most elusive. AI-led initiatives often yield nonlinear returns, making traditional metrics inadequate. The challenge lies in quantifying value across hybrid workforces, agentic ecosystems, and evolving governance models. As transformation becomes more ambient and cross-functional, ROI must encompass productivity, innovation, and sustainability—not just cost savings.

The new playbook for CIOs: treat AI as a capability, not a tool—industrialise it with governance, modularity, and explainability to harmonise intelligence and impact.

Are enterprises accelerating automation, AI, and cloud investments, or recalibrating them for efficiency?

Both. Enterprises are scaling AI and cloud to unlock new business models while recalibrating for efficiency. The rise of agentic AI—systems that plan, act, and self-improve—is reshaping software development, IT operations, and customer engagement. This dual motion reflects a strategic pivot: innovation-led growth paired with operational discipline.

What’s one “playbook” principle every CIO should follow to stay adaptive and value-focused?

Treat AI as a capability, not a tool. CIOs must industrialize AI with governance, modularity, and explainability. The playbook demands a shift from experimentation to enterprise-grade deployment—modernizing tech stacks, orchestrating multi-agent systems, and embedding ethical AI frameworks. Adaptability now hinges on how well CIOs can harmonize intelligence, infrastructure, and impact.

How can technology partners help CIOs reimagine transformation strategies for this changing economy?

Technology partners must evolve from solution providers to co-architects of transformation. CIOs expect domain-specific AI capabilities, secure and scalable architectures, and collaborative innovation. The future belongs to partners who bring not just platforms, but foresight—helping enterprises navigate complexity, unlock latent value, and build resilient ecosystems.

shrikanthg@cybermedia.co.in