Businesses are planning substantial increases in artificial intelligence (AI) investment next year, even as concerns over data privacy, regulatory compliance, and security risks continue to weigh on IT leaders.
A new survey by enterprise content management platform Storyblok shows that nine in ten companies intend to raise their AI budgets in 2026, with more than half expecting a “significant” increase. Only 2% of respondents anticipate reducing spending on AI. The survey involved 200 senior IT and procurement professionals responsible for AI deployment in large organisations.
The findings suggest strong corporate appetite for automation and generative tools despite broader market concerns about an AI bubble. Nearly 40% of respondents said AI is “fully integrated” across their organisation, and another 39% described their readiness as “mature.” Only 7% are still in the “piloting” stage, indicating a rapid shift toward enterprise-wide AI adoption.
Businesses are expecting clear financial and operational gains from AI. More than half cited operational efficiency as the primary benefit, followed by faster time-to-value, enhanced employee productivity, and improved decision-making.
However, enthusiasm is tempered by governance and security challenges. The top obstacles to successful AI adoption were data privacy and regulatory concerns (61%), security risks (58%), and limitations from legacy technology (43%). When asked what would improve their confidence in adopting AI, respondents highlighted stronger data governance, better system integration, and greater transparency from technology vendors. Cost was a lower priority, with just 12% citing pricing as a major factor.
Generative AI is poised to transform content management, according to the survey, with 91% of respondents saying it will reshape their operations. Yet adoption remains uneven. Only 23% of companies have fully integrated Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) strategies, while 41% are in early stages or have not yet adapted their content for AI-driven search tools.
Dominik Angerer, Storyblok’s CEO and co-founder, said the results reflect “a period of optimism mixed with realism.” He noted that while AI adoption is maturing and budgets are rising, concerns around security, governance, and compliance could slow progress in the short to medium term.
“AI search is upending marketing, yet less than a quarter of businesses have adapted,” Angerer said. “There is a pressing need for new AI platforms and tools to help organisations regain confidence in their content strategies.”
With firms preparing to double down on automation while managing governance and security risks, 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year for enterprise AI, where investment momentum meets the realities of regulation, risk, and operational readiness.
