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Behind the hype: AI not even top three tech spend for business leaders

Despite the buzz surrounding AI, leaders are putting other technologies first

Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock

Some see AI as the key driver of change in the business sphere. News such as BlackRock and Microsoft’s planned $30 billion AI investment fund has reinforced this perception.

But is this really the case? Despite the buzz surrounding AI, our latest survey reveals that business leaders are prioritising other technologies like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), even if they’re less prominent in the news cycle.

Our survey has found that more than four in five (83%) business leaders think cybersecurity is ‘very important’ or ‘extremely important’, putting it at the top of their priorities for investment. Considering the rise of cyberattacks, data breaches, and sophisticated hacking techniques this is hardly surprising. All but the most advanced AI tools, specialised for cybersecurity, are futile if the company’s digital infrastructure is compromised: Cybersecurity investments are viewed as a necessary ‘insurance policy’ to protect valuable data and ensure business continuity....