Generative AI Tops 2025 Tech Budgets, Surpassing Cybersecurity
AI Leapfrogs Security in Executive Priorities
According to Amazon Web Services’ latest “Global IT Decision Makers” report, generative AI will receive more enterprise investment in 2025 than any other technology—marking the first time it has overtaken cybersecurity in global tech budget priorities. Surveying over 3,000 senior IT and business leaders across 16 countries, the study found that nearly three-quarters of organizations plan to boost AI budgets in the coming year. The shift underscores how generative AI is no longer viewed as hype, but as a business-critical innovation capable of driving productivity, improving customer engagement, and unlocking new revenue streams. Cybersecurity still remains a significant concern but is being strategically deprioritized in favor of transformative technologies offering competitive advantage.
Global Momentum and Confident C-Suites
The report identifies the U.S., India, and Singapore as the countries most confident in implementing generative AI strategies at scale. Worldwide, 93% of leaders shared that AI is either already impacting decision-making processes or will do so imminently. In addition to investment enthusiasm, there’s also a noticeable cultural and structural shift underway. Executives are reorganizing workflows, retraining teams, and rebuilding internal processes to accommodate AI adoption. Interestingly, while cost reduction remains a goal, the primary driver is now perceived business impact—with productivity cited as the number one AI benefit among respondents. This suggests generative AI is moving from experimental pilot programs to the core of enterprise operations.
