Key Takeaways:
- Global IT spending is projected to reach $4.96 trillion in 2026, with enterprise investments making up nearly all of it
- AI-driven advancements are fueling growth in IT hardware investments, particularly in servers, components, and data center infrastructure
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes enterprise priorities, global IT spending is set to reach $4.96 trillion in 2026, according to the HG Insights 2026 Global IT Spend Report. The forecast includes $4.5 trillion in enterprise investment and $460.5 billion in SMB spending, signaling broad-based acceleration in technology investment.
The expansion of global AI infrastructure is driving significant growth in IT hardware investment, according to the report. This surge in spending is primarily focused on servers, components, and data center infrastructure, reflecting the critical role of hardware in supporting AI advancements.
This year’s report incorporates buyer intelligence from TrustRadius, acquired by HG Insights in June 2025. By integrating verified reviews and first-party intent data, the report connects spending forecasts with real-world buyer behavior, offering insight not only into where organizations are investing, but how they research, evaluate, and adopt technology solutions.
‘Volatile Technology Environments’
Rohini Kasturi, CEO of HG Insights noted the report comes out as GTM leaders are operating in one of the “most volatile technology environments we’ve seen in decades.”
“AI is accelerating investment in some areas, while increasing scrutiny in others,” said Kasturi in a statement. “The organizations that win will be those that understand precisely where budgets are shifting and why. Our [report] provides that clarity.”
Spend by Region
The report found worldwide IT is projected across 16.3 million organizations on hardware, software, services, and communications. Enterprise organizations dominate this expenditure, contributing $4.5 trillion to the total. Meanwhile, SMBs are expected to invest $460.5 billion, a significant milestone as it marks the first time HG Insights has released comprehensive data on SMB spending. By region, the spending trends is projected to be:
- North, Central, and South America is projected to reach $1.98 trillion.
- Asia-Pacific is forecasted at $1.42 trillion.
- Europe, Middle East, and Africa is expected to total $1.1 trillion.
Software and IT services continue to dominate enterprise IT spending, accounting for 74% of the total. Enterprise software spending alone is projected to reach $1.39 trillion, while enterprise cloud services, the largest segment within IT services, are forecasted at $716.7 billion. Additionally, communications spending is expected to total $295.5 billion, driven primarily by mobile and fixed data services.
To access more detailed insights and analysis, including buyer behavior, real user sentiment, and customer spotlights, read the full IT Spend Report: The Ultimate B2B Market Forecast for 2026.
