BANGALORE, INDIA: RSA, the security division of EMC, released the results of two new research initiatives that explore the volatile relationship between information security and business innovation. 

The first survey - conducted by IDC - reveals a growing chasm between security and innovation and examines the business impact of this disconnect on leading companies around the globe. 

The second study, taps an elite group of security executives to define the industry's first portfolio of advanced information risk management strategies aimed at closing this gap. 

RSA President Art Coviello, said: "The inextricable link between security and innovation is clear, but organisations are still really struggling with how to strike the right balance between driving new innovations to market and instituting effective IT security practices. Security has long been a global business issue and this research tells us it is a top priority for today's senior management teams."

"There has never been a better time for companies to make the cultural, philosophical and technological shifts required to better align their security and business innovation strategies," he added.

IDC survey reveals IT security risk is a significant innovation inhibitor

"Innovation and Security: Collaborative or Combative,"  survey showed that majority of organisations believe creating an environment ideal for innovation is critical to staying ahead of the competition. 

However, survey respondents revealed that in spite of their best intentions, IT security risk is impeding business innovation. In fact, 80 percent of those surveyed, admitted that their organisations have backed away from new innovation opportunities because of information security concerns. 

IDC also found that although 80 percent of CEOs believe their security teams are being held formally accountable for their contributions to business growth and innovation, only 44 percent of security leaders believe they are being measured on their contributions to innovation.