IT today is far more than just a cost-effective service provider – it is evolving into a strategic enabler of value creation, transformation, and efficiency. IT organizations face intense innovation pressure and rising expectations. At the same time, they must manage tight budgets, explore new sourcing approaches, and develop more flexible governance models.

How is IT positioned within the organization, and what value does it deliver? Which factors and actions are driving IT budgets? And how is the use of artificial intelligence evolving within IT? To answer these questions, we surveyed 356 IT and business decision-makers across 13 countries and over 15 industries – including more than 45 percent C-level executives from small, medium, and large enterprises.

Key aspect #1

IT is increasingly operating on equal footing with the business

33 % +11 %
IT as business enabler & consulting partner

30 % +6 %
IT as innovative, value adding unit

The IT of the future continues to establish itself as an enabler and advisor for business (+11 percentage points compared to previous year) or offer its own innovative business models (+6 percentage points). Traditional IT organizations that focus solely on delivering standard services at the lowest possible cost are mostly becoming obsolete.

Key aspect #2

In every second company, IT is required to implement cost savings

82 % Share of respondents required to implement cost savings 53 % Cases in which IT is directly affected

Due to the volatile market situation, 82 percent of companies are striving to cut costs. IT is no exception – in fact, IT is disproportionately affected, with 53 percent of respondents reporting cost-cutting measures in IT.

Key aspect #3

IT budget forecasts are being revised downward

25 % +8 %

Economic uncertainty is slowing IT budget dynamics. 25 percent respondents expect budget cuts – an increase of 8 percentage points compared to the previous year. Forecasts for moderate IT budget growth have declined significantly.

Key aspect #4

Shifting IT investments – greater focus on IT operations

Distribution of IT investments between Run and Change in 2024

39 % Run 61 % Change

Distribution of IT investments between Run and Change in 2025

45 % Run 55 % Change

Cost pressure in IT is real. The focus of IT investments is shifting away from transformation initiatives toward IT operations (Δ6 percentage points) in order to free up resources for business-relevant investments.

 

                     

If you would like to discuss how the study’s results might impact your business, please feel free to contact our colleagues Jörg Thamm and Jan Pfitzner.

Your Contact

Jan Pfitzner

Jan Pfitzner

Jörg Thamm

Jörg Thamm