Global IT Spending Rises 7.9% to $5.43 Trillion in 2025 Amid AI Infrastructure Surge

Worldwide IT spending is forecast to reach $5.43 trillion in 2025, marking a 7.9% increase from 2024, driven largely by AI and generative AI (GenAI) initiatives despite an ongoing 'uncertainty pause' caused by economic and geopolitical risks. Data center systems are expected to see the most substantial growth at 42.4%, with spending on AI-optimized servers projected to triple that of traditional servers by 2027, reflecting the surge in GenAI-related infrastructure investments. Software spending will grow by 10.5%, followed by devices, IT services, and communications services, though growth rates in these areas are slowing due to cautious spending. Gartner's survey shows that 62% of senior leaders identify AI as a key factor shaping future competition, motivating enterprises to invest in technology and business transformation despite broader uncertainty. The 'uncertainty pause' has led to a strategic suspension of net-new spending across sectors, with companies focusing more on delivering existing GenAI functionalities rather than adopting new, complex AI projects. Major technology vendors in data center hardware, devices, and software segments are expected to benefit from these trends, as enterprises prioritize competitiveness and digital sovereignty in a challenging global environment.