Companies are preparing to significantly increase their investments in artificial intelligence next year, even as concerns about data privacy, regulatory compliance and security risks continue to weigh on IT leaders.
New research from enterprise content management platform Storyblok shows that nine out of 10 companies plan to increase their AI budgets in 2026, with more than half expecting a “significant” increase. Only 2% expect to cut their AI spending.
The survey of 200 senior IT and procurement professionals, all responsible for AI deployment in large organizations, shows that business appetite for automation and generative tools remains strong despite market concerns about an AI bubble.
According to the report, 39% of respondents say AI is now “fully integrated” across their organization, while another 39% describe its readiness as “mature.” Only 7% consider themselves still in the “pilot phase,” indicating a rapid shift toward enterprise-wide AI implementation.
Executives also expect clear financial and operational returns. Over half cited operational efficiency as the biggest benefit of AI adoption, followed by faster time to value, higher employee productivity and improved decision making.
But this enthusiasm is tempered by growing fears about governance and risk. The top barriers to successful AI adoption were: privacy and regulatory concerns (61%), security risks (58%), and limitations of legacy technologies (43%).
When asked what would most increase their confidence in adopting AI, respondents highlighted stronger data management, better system integration and greater transparency from technology providers. Only 12% said pricing was a priority, a sign that costs are currently secondary to compliance and security.
Generative AI will reshape content management – but most companies aren’t ready yet
An overwhelming 91% of respondents believe that generative AI will transform content management in their organizations. Despite this confidence, adoption of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), which is becoming increasingly important as AI-driven search transforms marketing, remains limited.
Only 23% have a fully integrated GEO strategy, while 41% are either in the early stages or have not yet started adapting their content for AI search engines.
Dominik Angerer, CEO and co-founder of Storyblok, said the results reflect a period of optimism coupled with realism: “Budgets are growing strongly, AI adoption is progressing quickly and confidence in AI’s return on investment is increasing. But concerns about security, governance and regulatory compliance are likely to increase and could hinder adoption in the short to medium term.”
He added that while almost all companies recognize the power of AI to reinvent content management, few have retooled their systems or strategies to do so.
“AI search is turning marketing on its head, yet less than a quarter of companies have adapted. There is an urgent need for new AI platforms and tools to help companies regain trust in their content.”
As companies prepare to double down on automation while grappling with governance and security fears, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for enterprise AI – a year in which investment dynamics will collide with the realities of risk, regulation and readiness.
