Moscow, Russia: Global spending on information and communication technology (ICT) is projected to reach USD4 trillion (RM15.6 trillion) this year on the back of rising investment in artificial intelligence (AI) platforms by aerospace and defence industries, the International Data Corporation (IDC) said as reported by Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
“Global spending on information and communications technology (ICT) is forecast to reach USD4 trillion in 2026 and surpass USD6 trillion (RM23.37 trillion) by 2029,” the IDC report on global ICT spending by small and medium businesses across multiple industries said.
The USD4 trillion forecast represents an annual growth of 10 per cent.
“As companies continue to invest in automation, industries such as aerospace and defence, insurance, and software and information services are poised to accelerate spending in AI platforms the fastest,” said research manager at IDC, Andrea Minonne.
Escalating geopolitical cross-regional tensions and heightened security concerns have been prompting governments to expand defence budgets in aerospace and defence, added Minonne.
Tariff hikes, security threats and US government shutdowns are pushing organisations to boost investment in AI-driven optimisation and security.
Geopolitical issues and supply chain disruptions are also speeding up digital transformation and security spending.
Regionally, the United States is projected to lead ICT spending at US$2 trillion (RM7. 8 trillion) – nearly half of the global total – followed by Western Europe with USD908 billion (RM3.54 trillion), while China ranks third at USD355 billion (RM1.381 trillion).
Software is expected to be the top spending category, over 33 per cent of global ICT spending, fuelled by investments in enterprise management, security and manufacturing.
The top three industries for ICT spending – software development, banking, and retail – are expected to exceed USD1 trillion (RM3.88 trillion) in 2026.
Government, telecommunications, media, healthcare and technology sectors will account for over 20 per cent of global ICT spending. – BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
