Companies Are Prioritizing AI, Security, and Technological Sovereignty in Their Investments
AI is shifting priorities in companies’ technology agendas. However, as its use increases, so do the demands on infrastructure, security, and resilience. At the same time, economic pressures and new regulatory requirements are driving investments to focus more on measurable business outcomes. The 2026 Modern Enterprise Readiness Study by Dell Technologies shows how companies are responding to this trend and what technological foundations they are laying for the next phase of digital transformation.
As part of the Modern Enterprise Readiness Study 2026, commissioned by Dell Technologies and conducted by the independent market research firm Vanson Bourne, 2,950 participants in 35 countries were surveyed, including 1,500 business and IT decision-makers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), 150 of whom were in Germany. Swiss companies were not included. The study, conducted in June 2026, included companies from the financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, energy and utilities, and public sectors, and reveals four key trends.
No. 1: Economic pressures influence strategic technology decisions
The ongoing economic uncertainty continues to influence decisions regarding technology investments. While spending is generally not being cut back, companies are focusing more on value creation, efficiency, and business results. 76 % of executives in Germany state that they are taking a more selective approach to technology investments due to the current macroeconomic conditions. This is leading to a growing preference for simplification and consolidation: 85 % prefer to meet more of their technology needs through a single strategic partner.
Expectations for technology providers are also rising. 73 % are shifting their investments toward partners that have the necessary scale, an appropriate ecosystem, and resilient supply chains to transition modernization and AI initiatives from pilot projects to production environments. The study shows a clear shift away from fragmented technology environments toward strategic partnerships that simplify operations, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable business results.
No. 2: Modern workplace technologies are a prerequisite for AI readiness
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily workflows, the technology in the workplace is evolving from a mere productivity tool into a strategic catalyst for transformation. The study shows that 93 % of respondents in Germany believe that modern devices improve collaboration and productivity among the workforce. At the same time, 83 % say that outdated devices limit their ability to adopt new technologies—including AI-powered applications. For many companies, therefore, workplace modernization has long since gone beyond simply replacing outdated hardware. It is evolving into a fundamental prerequisite for AI-powered productivity, better employee experiences, and enhanced endpoint security. As a result, AI PCs and modern endpoints play an important role in the future workplace strategy of 90 % of German executives.
No. 3: The adoption of AI is gaining momentum, but scaling it up requires a stronger foundation
The adoption of AI is gaining momentum. However, many companies are finding that successfully scaling AI requires much more than just deploying models. Security, compliance, and data protection have become critical factors. At the same time, companies must grapple with stricter regulatory frameworks and increasing scrutiny of data usage. 49 % of executives in Germany are therefore concerned about complying with government regulations regarding the use of data for AI. 56 % report that security and compliance concerns have already slowed the adoption of AI or delayed related initiatives. The question of the right infrastructure remains another major challenge. 66 % of IT executives in Germany report that their IT infrastructure is not yet optimally designed to support AI and analytics workloads at a production scale.
No. 4: Security has become a fundamental requirement
Cybersecurity is no longer viewed as an isolated technology decision. Instead, companies expect security to be integrated into infrastructure, devices, and AI environments from the very beginning. 90 % of business and IT decision-makers in Germany demand that security be automatically factored into every proposal from their strategic technology partners, rather than being treated as a separate requirement. Given the growing importance of cyber resilience and business continuity, 86 % state that integrated data protection and cyber recovery capabilities are key criteria when evaluating infrastructure platforms. Companies are also increasingly seeking support outside their own teams: 80 % expect to make greater use of managed security services over the next two to three years. Regulatory requirements from NIS2, DORA, and the GDPR underscore the need to integrate security into technology strategies from the outset. As a result, cyber resilience is becoming a board-level responsibility and is no longer purely an IT issue.
The trial period is coming to an end; now it's time to get down to business
«The AI pilot phase is over; now the technology must prove its value. Especially in times of economic uncertainty, companies are scrutinizing their investments and expecting more from their technology partners: greater efficiency, greater security, and, above all, a clear contribution to business success,» says Tim van Wasen, Managing Director of Dell Technologies Germany. «Anyone who wants to scale AI and create real added value from it therefore needs not only powerful models, but also a modern, resilient infrastructure, trustworthy data, and a partner who takes a holistic approach to technology and reliably brings it to fruition.»
Source: Dell Technologies
This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/unternehmen-setzen-bei-investitionen-auf-ki-sicherheit-und-technologische-souveraenitaet/
