As businesses continue to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving priorities, IT budgets are shifting to address new opportunities and challenges. CIOs are making strategic decisions about where to allocate resources, with certain areas emerging as clear priorities for 2025.
The National CIO Review, in collaboration with the CIO Professional Network, conducted an in-depth survey to reveal which initiatives will see the biggest increases in IT spending next year. From artificial intelligence to green tech, these insights highlight where CIOs are placing their bets to drive business success and resilience.
AI and Machine Learning: Leading the Pack (22.1%)
Securing the top spot with 22.1% of the votes, AI and machine learning are set to receive the largest share of increased IT budgets in 2025. This result underscores the growing importance of intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning-driven decision-making across industries.
CIOs are prioritizing AI to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and unlock new growth opportunities. From chatbots and personalized recommendations to advanced data analysis, AI is enabling businesses to streamline processes and stay ahead of the competition.
As the technology matures, more organizations are expected to scale their AI capabilities, creating new value propositions for both internal operations and customer-facing solutions.
Sustainability and Green Tech Initiatives (19.28%)
Close behind AI, sustainability and green tech initiatives garnered 19.28% of the votes.
Sustainability has become a clear priority, with IT departments playing a crucial role in driving greener operations. From implementing energy-efficient data centers to leveraging IoT devices for smarter resource management, organizations are embedding sustainability into their digital strategies.
For CIOs, investments in green tech also offer opportunities to reduce operational costs and improve compliance with emerging environmental regulations.
As customers and stakeholders increasingly demand eco-conscious practices, IT leaders are recognizing the value of aligning technology initiatives with sustainability goals to build stronger, more responsible brands.
Digital Transformation Projects (15.99%)
At 15.99%, digital transformation projects ranked third, underscoring that while many organizations began their digital transformation journeys years ago, the work is far from complete.
For CIOs, digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about rethinking business processes to deliver value more efficiently.
Despite ranking third in the poll, digital transformation remains a foundational driver of IT strategies. Organizations are continuing to invest in this area to remain competitive and meet the demands of customers and markets.
Cybersecurity (15.67%)
Cybersecurity ranked fourth, with 15.67% of respondents planning to increase spending in this critical area. As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, IT leaders are bolstering their defenses to protect sensitive data and maintain trust.
From ransomware to insider threats, the challenges facing organizations today demand a proactive and layered approach to security. CIOs are investing in advanced threat detection tools, endpoint protection, and employee training programs to minimize vulnerabilities.
Moreover, with the rise of remote work and the growing adoption of cloud services, securing distributed networks has become a top priority.
IT Infrastructure Modernization (14.26%)
IT infrastructure modernization received 14.26% of the votes, ranking fifth in the poll.
As organizations look to future-proof their operations, modernizing legacy systems and improving IT performance remain key priorities.
For CIOs, infrastructure upgrades are essential for supporting advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, which demand scalable and reliable systems. Investments in infrastructure also enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve the overall user experience.
In addition, many organizations are adopting hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, which require modernized infrastructure to support seamless integration and data flow. By upgrading foundational systems, CIOs are ensuring their IT environments can keep pace with the demands of digital transformation.
Cloud Services (12.7%)
Cloud services ranked sixth, with 12.7% of the votes. While it received the smallest share of increased budgets, the role of cloud technology in IT strategies remains pivotal.
For many organizations, cloud services have already become a standard part of their IT operations, enabling scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. However, CIOs are continuing to refine and optimize their cloud strategies, focusing on advanced use cases like edge computing and cloud-native application development.
The Wrap
The poll results reveal a clear picture of where CIOs are directing their IT budgets in 2025.
With AI and machine learning leading the charge, technology leaders are embracing intelligent solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. Meanwhile, the rise of sustainability and green tech initiatives reflects a broader commitment to responsible growth, while cybersecurity and infrastructure modernization remain foundational priorities.
For CIOs, these investments are not just about keeping up with trends—they’re about positioning their organizations for long-term success.
By aligning IT budgets with strategic goals, tech leaders are laying strong foundations and charting pathways to innovation.
