Forrester: Global Technology Spend Will Grow By 7.8% In 2026 To Reach $5.6 Trillion

February 2, 2026 - 19:02

A new industry forecast projects a significant surge in worldwide technology investment for the coming year. Research indicates global technology spending is set to grow by 7.8% in 2026, reaching a staggering total of $5.6 trillion. This represents a substantial increase from the $5.2 trillion estimated for 2025.

The forecast suggests that, despite ongoing economic headwinds such as international trade tariffs, most national economies are expected to maintain growth momentum comparable to the previous year. This resilience is largely attributed to the relentless pace of investment in and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

Key sectors are driving this expansive growth, with defense, financial services, healthcare, industrial operations, and retail leading the charge. The widespread integration of AI across these diverse industries is identified as a primary catalyst for the increased budgetary allocations. The data underscores a clear trend: organizations worldwide are prioritizing technological advancement as a core component of their strategic planning and operational investment for the near future. This continued financial commitment highlights the central role technology now plays in global economic activity and competitive positioning.