Technology Decision Maker

The CTO serves as the master gatekeeper for external technology. This includes selecting and conducting long-term research consistent with the vision of the enterprise. This is not to imply that the CTO's role supersedes that of the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), but that the CTO is the principal technology adviser to the CEO or other Chief Decision Maker ("CDM") member of the leadership team.

Act as the technical conscience

Colmen states that "A chief technology officer should be a statesman, conscience and traffic cop." (107) The CTO would, under this capacity, determine the balance between short-term and long-term technology programs. This includes assessing the programmatic needs to assure balance of financial resources between the program elements. This also includes protecting the integrity of the research and development against the demands of technical services.

Provide technology oversight for the enterprise

The CTO also develops technology metrics for the enterprise. This includes performing technological benchmark studies. This oversight function includes the design and guidance of technology audits. Based on these activities, the CTO prepares reports on the status of the enterprise's technological fitness and makes recommendations to the other members of the leadership team. This also includes advising the leadership team about the technical implications of strategy, policy and programs. (6)