What is the primary responsibility of the board of directors regarding IT strategy?

The primary responsibility of the board of directors regarding IT strategy is to ensure that it is aligned with the business strategy. This alignment is crucial because IT investments and initiatives should support the overall goals and objectives of the organization. When IT strategy is closely linked to business strategy, it helps ensure that technology resources are allocated effectively, enabling the organization to achieve its strategic objectives and maintain a competitive advantage.

By focusing on this alignment, the board can guide the organization in making strategic decisions about IT investments that will provide value and drive performance. This means that IT should not operate in a silo; instead, it should be integrated into the broader strategy of the organization. When IT initiatives support business goals, it fosters better communication between IT departments and business units, leading to more effective execution of the overall strategy.

Other responsibilities, like ensuring cost-effectiveness or prioritizing projects, are important aspects of IT governance but are secondary to the overarching requirement of alignment with business strategy. Future thinking and innovation are also essential in today's digital landscape, but they should derive from a foundation of strong alignment with business objectives to ensure that innovation efforts are relevant and impactful.