Business Wire · 21 Oct, 08:30 · Technology briefing

Forrester’s 2027 Technology And Security Predictions: AI Will Account For 20% Of All Business Technology Spend

Forrester predicts that artificial intelligence will constitute twenty per cent of all business technology expenditure by 2027.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Forrester predicts that artificial intelligence will constitute twenty per cent of all business technology expenditure by 2027. This forecast highlights a significant shift in corporate investment priorities, moving AI from experimental projects to core operational infrastructure. The report suggests organisations will increasingly allocate budgets towards AI integration, automation, and related security measures. This trend indicates that AI is no longer a niche capability but a fundamental component of modern business strategy. Professionals must recognise this financial commitment as a signal of long-term industry transformation. The data underscores the growing economic weight of AI within broader technology spending, reflecting its critical role in driving efficiency and innovation across sectors.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This forecast signals a structural shift in corporate priorities, meaning your career trajectory must align with this financial reality. Roles requiring AI literacy will command premium value, while those ignoring this trend face obsolescence. You should prioritise upskilling in AI strategy and data science to remain relevant. Do not merely observe this shift; actively integrate AI tools into your daily workflow to demonstrate practical competence. Leaders must now understand the strategic implications of AI investment, making governance and ethical considerations vital. Identify which functions in your organisation are receiving increased AI budgets and position yourself at the intersection of technology and business outcomes. Start by auditing your current skill set against emerging AI requirements. Seek certifications in AI strategy to bridge the gap between technical capability and business application. Proactively engage with cross-functional teams to understand how AI is reshaping your specific industry. Your next move should be concrete: select one high-impact AI tool relevant to your role and master its application within the next quarter.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Data Science, Cyber Security and Compliance And Governance — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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