Global Tech Industry Report Highlights Increase in Meaningful AI Adoption and Value Creation

KPMG According to KPMG’s newly released Global Technology Report 2026, the technology sector has entered a transformative era defined by the need for smart systems, exponential innovation and resilient strategies. KPMG said the research study drew on responses from 2,500 technology executives in 27 countries covering regions including EMEA. Asia-Pacificand the American continent.

It reveals a clear transition from pilot projects to scale deployment of advanced tools, especially artificial intelligenceAmid ongoing economic and geopolitical pressures.

One notable finding is the rapid progress in overall technology maturity.

Currently, 79 percent of organizations have reached the first three stages of maturity, and forecasts show this will rise to 93 percent by the end of 2026.

Half of those surveyed expect to reach peak maturity next year, a significant increase from 11 percent today.

This progress is strongly linked to financial returns: While the average return on digital technology investments stands at 200 percent, a small group of high performers defined by superior maturity across multiple categories generate 4.5 times that figure through smarter budgeting and centralized decision-making.

Artificial intelligence remains the dominant investment priority. Almost seven in ten leaders expect their organizations to reach peak AI adoption maturity within the next year.

Investment agent artificial intelligence Systems that work autonomously to improve human capabilities are common at 88 percent.

It is predicted that digital assistants will make up more than a third of technology teams by 2027, helping to reduce reliance on external contractors.

But scaling remains difficult; Only 24 percent of firms currently generate returns from more than one AI application; This is a decrease from previous years.

More than half experience difficulty clearly communicating the business value of AI to stakeholders, underscoring the importance of robust governance frameworks.

Cybersecurity concerns are particularly intense around the deployment of artificial intelligence.

Leaders list cyber attacks and data reliability issues among the top risks; many are planning increased scrutiny of their partner locations due to geopolitical factors.

collaboration between IT, securityand risk teams are increasing globally to ensure safe execution.

Meanwhile, organizations are taking a measured approach to innovation: Rather than being first movers, many are opting for proven solutions, focusing instead on data infrastructure improvements and scenario planning to build resilience.

High-performing companies stand out by allocating more budget to growth initiatives, encouraging cross-functional partnerships, and adopting emerging technologies with calculated risks.

They also demonstrate stronger institutional resilience and invest heavily in the development of skilled workforce for manpower.artificial intelligence partnership.

Challenges such as inheritance technology Debts (affecting 63 percent) and talent shortages remain, but optimism prevails: executives are emphasizing adaptive planning, ethical AI practices and ecosystem alliances to thrive in an uncertain environment.

report It signals strong confidence in the ability of technology to create value and provide competitive advantage.

As the sector accelerates quantum-Success with off-the-shelf systems and advanced intelligence capabilities will depend on balancing ambition with disciplined execution, transparent value measurement and forward-looking perspective. risk management. Organizations that master these elements are in a position to excel in the period called the Intelligence Age.