CompTIA’s 2026 IT Outlook Highlights AI, Cybersecurity, and Workforce Training Priorities

CompTIA has released its annual "IT Industry Outlook 2026," showing that most technology and business professionals expect growth in the coming year, announced in a press release. The report finds that 77% of respondents are optimistic about their organization’s prospects, with 51% expecting to exceed 2025 revenue and profitability levels.

The survey of more than 1,000 professionals identifies five areas shaping business and technology strategies in 2026: continued AI adoption, expanded cybersecurity efforts, improved data practices, workflow automation, and workforce development. CompTIA reports that 84% of respondents anticipate a significant or moderate increase in AI investment, and 94% plan to invest in AI-specific training this year.

Cybersecurity remains a key focus, with data protection, risk management, and securing AI-enabled operations cited as top priorities. Around half of companies plan to improve data management and analytics capabilities through workforce training and upgraded infrastructure.

The report also notes that most organizations are advancing their digital transformation initiatives, with 54% already operating partially digitized workflows. Training existing employees continues to be the preferred approach to address skills gaps, particularly in AI and cybersecurity roles.