CIOs to prepare for a second global downturn: Gartner

Pointing to the risk of debt that the nations incur by default, the research firm Gartner has warned CIOs to begin preparation for a second recession within the next 12 to 18 months. Since there is so much uncertainty about the sustainability of the current recovery, CIOs are being expected confront this period with decisive action. The analyst firm has suggested they should augment current near-term plans by preparing for a second recession.

“Just the potential for a second business downturn should be sufficient to compel CIOs to plan for another business downturn,” said Ken McGee, Vice President and Gartner fellow. “However, most CIOs will not have a response strategy prepared if a second business downturn occurs.”

According to Gartner, CIOs in 2010 have one advantage over their predecessors, most of them possess practical experience dealing with a recession.