The Run, Grow, Transform (RGT) model sorts IT spending into three categories: running the business, growing the business and transforming the business. CIOs often use it to report technology spend.
Run, grow and transform defined
The University of Illinois Chicago's technology portfolio office uses the RGT model, which it says Gartner developed, for IT portfolio planning and investment. It publishes its definitions of the three categories.
Run is the share of IT resources consumed by the continuing operation of the business. It includes all non-discretionary expenses.
Grow is the share spent enhancing IT systems to support organic business growth. Discretionary investments are more likely to fall here.
Transform is the share spent implementing systems that enable new business models. Discretionary investments are included here.
What Gartner says about the model now
In June 2025, Gartner wrote that run-grow-transform portfolio allocations often fail to balance strategic growth initiatives with protecting foundational IT capabilities, such as cybersecurity or IT modernization. It recommends investment categories that align business priorities into one technology portfolio.
In October 2026, Gartner wrote that CIOs often use the framework to report technology spend, but that the taxonomy can obscure strategic purpose, available investment capacity and expected business contribution.
Gartner also surveys CIOs on run versus change technology spend. Its July 2026 Consult the Board summary drew on 19 members of its Research Board for Global CIOs.
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026.
- University of Illinois Chicago Technology Solutions PPMO, Portfolio Management
- Gartner, Prioritize IT Investment Beyond Run-Grow-Transform (June 26, 2025)
- Gartner, Evolve Run-Grow-Transform to Manage IT Investment Strategically (October 6, 2026)
- Gartner, Consult the Board: Run Versus Change Technology Spend in Large Enterprises (July 21, 2026)