A recent Gartner survey highlights significant investment intentions in cybersecurity and generative AI, with 87% of executives planning to increase budgets. However, challenges in achieving business outcomes from digital initiatives persist.
Gartner Survey Reveals Robust Investment Plans in Key Technologies for 2025
A recent survey by global research and advisory firm Gartner has unveiled significant investment intentions in various technological domains, poised to transform the digital landscape by 2025. The survey, which collated responses from 4,312 technology and business executives, highlights a strong commitment to deepening financial allocations towards cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence (gen AI). According to the findings, 87% of the polled executives plan to enhance their investments in these areas, with an average budget increase of 37% for gen AI and 31% for cybersecurity technologies.
Furthermore, operational AI is also earmarked for substantial financial growth, with spending expected to increase by around 30%. A majority, 84%, of survey participants indicated plans to raise operational AI budgets, reflecting an average increase of 32%. Other technological areas predicted to see increased investments include business intelligence and analytics (82%), cloud computing (79%), and application modernisation (74%).
Despite these intentions, the overall progress in leveraging digital technologies for optimal business outcomes remains moderate. The survey reports that less than half, 48%, of digital initiatives have met or surpassed their intended business targets, illustrating the ongoing challenge companies face in effectively integrating and benefiting from digital advancements. Industry leaders like Julian LaNeve, CTO of the data platform company Astronomer, suggest that success hinges on clearly defined problem-solving strategies that are of significant interest to businesses and enhance customer value.
The maturity of technology plays a crucial role in determining success, as noted by Dominic Sartorio, vice president at Denodo. He points out that previous iterations of AI have successfully managed tasks such as predictive maintenance and demand prediction, demonstrating AI’s potential but also indicating the importance of defined applications.
One of the key takeaways from the Gartner survey is the emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration. Companies that forge a strong partnership between business and IT leaders rather than isolating digital responsibilities within IT departments reportedly see better outcomes, with 71% of their digital efforts resulting in tangible business benefits. This collaborative approach also sees business executives dedicating significant personal time and resources to digital projects, ensuring a robust understanding and alignment with business goals.
Moreover, structural changes are afoot, with 26% of business staff now involved in building and deploying technology, although challenges remain. At least 43% of CIOs surveyed anticipate reducing investments in legacy infrastructure, while an intriguing 33% predict increasing their focus on on-premises infrastructure. This shift is partly driven by the need for secure environments for gen AI solutions and advising on digital strategies.
In summary, the Gartner survey underscores a substantial and strategic shift in how businesses are planning to augment digital technology investments. However, it also points to the necessary cultural and organisational adjustments required to unlock the full potential of these technologies in delivering business value.
Source: Noah Wire Services
