Top Trends: AI and Digital Technologies

Many companies recognize the strategic importance of these developments but still see a significant need for action when it comes to implementation. This is shown by KPMG’s „Future Readiness Monitor 2026“ in Germany, for which 524 executives from 15 industries were surveyed.

At 89 percent, AI and digital technologies have the highest relevance score of all the future topics examined. At the same time, this topic has the highest investment priority, at 69 percent. Despite its high importance, only 33 percent of companies currently consider themselves sufficiently prepared.

Future technologies and innovation, at 73 percent, are also among the most important topics. At the same time, only 34 percent of companies consider themselves sufficiently prepared. With an investment priority of 53 percent, future technologies and innovation are thus among the key growth areas for the coming years.

Taking Cybersecurity Seriously

Cybersecurity is also among the most important future topics for German companies, with 84 percent citing it as a priority and 60 percent ranking it as an investment priority. With a maturity level of 56 percent, many companies already consider their capabilities in this area to be relatively well-developed.

Furthermore, Business Performance and Performance Culture each achieve very high relevance scores of 79 percent. Companies are also increasingly focusing on the question of how they can ensure their performance, productivity, and adaptability in the long term. „Companies today know very precisely which factors determine their competitiveness. Now it is crucial to consistently drive technological and organizational change and translate investments into measurable results. AI and future technologies in particular highlight just how great the potential is—but also how much ground many companies still need to make up,“ said KPMG CMO Ladislava Klein.

„This is particularly evident in the fields of AI and future technologies,
how great the potential and the need to catch up are
”are still the case for many companies."

Dr. Ladislava Klein,
CMO,
KPMG

Regulatory requirements and governance (73 percent) as well as the strategic development of business models (71 percent) also remain important issues for the future. Geopolitical developments (62 percent), sustainable business practices (63 percent), and addressing climate risks (45 percent) are also considered relevant.

Varying Levels of Urgency for Action

However, their significance is more strongly influenced by the industry, business model, and external conditions. While export-oriented industries, highly regulated markets, or globally interconnected value chains often feel particularly strong pressure to act in this regard, other industries are currently focusing more on operational transformation and performance issues.

Optimism Despite Uncertainty

Despite geopolitical tensions, technological upheavals, and regulatory requirements, German companies are largely optimistic about the coming years. The differences between industries are striking: In sectors where new technologies are already more deeply integrated into business models and value creation, optimism is often higher. Sectors such as insurance, technology, and consumer goods are particularly positive about the future. The outlook is more subdued in sectors such as automotive, real estate, and construction. (Source: KPMG)