KPMG has indicated that the technology sector is entering a transformative era defined by intelligent systems, exponential innovation, and the need for resilient strategies, according to KPMG’s newly released Global Tech Report 2026. KPMG pointed out that the research study draws on responses from 2,500 technology executives across 27 countries, spanning regions including EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.
It reveals a clear shift from pilot projects to scaled deployment of advanced tools, particularly AI, amid ongoing economic and geopolitical pressures.
A standout finding is the rapid advancement in overall technology maturity.
Currently, 79 percent of organizations have reached the top three stages of maturity, with projections indicating this will climb to 93 percent by the end of 2026.
Half of respondents anticipate achieving the highest maturity level next year, up dramatically from just 11 percent today.
This progress correlates strongly with financial returns: the average return on digital technology investments stands at 200 percent, while 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. Nearly seven in ten leaders expect their organizations to attain peak AI adoption maturity within the coming year.
Investment in agentic AI systems, which operate autonomously to enhance human capabilities, is widespread at 88 percent.
Digital assistants are forecasted to make up more than a third of technology teams by 2027, helping reduce reliance on external contractors.
However, scaling remains difficult; only 24 percent of firms currently realize returns across multiple AI applications, a decline from previous years.
More than half struggle to clearly communicate AI’s business value to stakeholders, underscoring the importance of robust governance frameworks.
Cybersecurity concerns are intensifying, especially around AI deployment.
Leaders rank cyberattacks and data reliability issues among the top risks, with many planning greater scrutiny of partner locations due to geopolitical factors.
Collaboration between IT, security, and risk teams is rising globally to ensure safe implementation.
Meanwhile, organizations are adopting a measured approach to innovation: most prefer proven solutions over being first movers, focusing instead on data infrastructure improvements and scenario planning to build resilience.
High-performing companies stand out by allocating more budget to growth initiatives, fostering cross-functional partnerships, and embracing emerging technologies with calculated risk.
They also demonstrate stronger organizational resilience and invest heavily in upskilling workforces for human-AI collaboration.
Challenges such as legacy technology debt (affecting 63 percent) and talent shortages persist, yet optimism prevails: executives emphasize adaptive planning, ethical AI practices, and ecosystem alliances to thrive in an uncertain environment.
The report signals strong confidence in technology’s ability to drive value and competitive advantage.
As the sector accelerates toward quantum-ready systems and advanced intelligence capabilities, success will depend on balancing ambition with disciplined execution, transparent value measurement, and forward-looking risk management. Organizations that master these elements are positioned to excel in the so-called Intelligence Age.