Observed Signal · Aug 13, 2026 · Market Research / Study · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
CIOs Prioritize AI, Cybersecurity and IT Modernization
A Lünendonk study finds that despite economic uncertainty and budget pressures, many companies plan higher IT spending in 2026–2027, prioritizing cyber security, IT modernization, digital sovereignty and employee upskilling. Cyber security is named the top investment priority, while AI is increasingly embedded across IT functions (software development, security, support). Rising license- and token-based costs for AI are forcing CIOs to scrutinize project economics. On the supplier side, Data & AI, cloud transformation and cyber security are seen as key growth drivers for IT service providers.
The study signals where enterprise IT budgets will be allocated (cyber security, AI, modernization), indicating demand shifts for IT and service vendors and highlighting rising AI usage costs that affect procurement and project economics.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- A Lünendonk study reports that more than half of surveyed companies plan higher IT expenditures despite economic uncertainty.
- 92% of respondents named cyber security as a top investment priority.
- 74% of companies are advancing modernization of their IT landscapes to replace legacy systems.
- 55% of companies reported increasing IT budgets, but rising license-, token- and usage-dependent costs for AI heighten financial pressure.
- Lünendonk expects Data & AI to show the strongest market dynamic in 2026 with a projected revenue increase of 24.2%; 82% of IT service providers plan investments in digital sovereignty.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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