2026 Technology Leadership Pulse Insights: AI, Cybersecurity, and More

Have tech budgets rebounded from their downturn in 2025? Is AI really delivering value, or are organizations just buying into the hype? What threats and roadblocks — both new and old — stand in the way of success in 2026? To find out, Eliassen surveyed 1,000 CTOs, CISOs, and other technology leaders around the U.S. This quick snapshot of our findings shows that:

• Confidence in AI is both high and valid
• Cybersecurity and innovation are the primary drivers of near-term investments
• Risks to security and struggles with legacy systems represent the biggest challenges in the months ahead

Discover more insights from the survey on our Resources page, along with expert perspectives on a variety of industries, topics, and trends.