TMT Sector: AI Adoption Is Growing Faster Than Governance

92 percent of companies in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector use artificial intelligence.
Only about 10 percent have a fully developed AI strategy.
Geopolitical tensions, climate change, and automation are shaping the industry; strategically, companies are focusing primarily on workforce development, more efficient processes, and expanding their IT infrastructure.

Berlin, May 21, 2026

Companies in the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors are among the pioneers in the use of artificial intelligence. 92 percent are already using AI in various areas, from product development and customer service to marketing and sales. At the same time, many companies still lack the necessary structures to systematically manage its use and mitigate risks. This is shown by the “TMT Monitor 2026” from KPMG in Germany.

The technology has arrived in companies much faster than the organizational prerequisites for its use. Many are already using AI productively and are seeing initial efficiency and growth benefits. The key now will be to build trust just as consistently as technological capabilities, through clear responsibilities, reliable data, and effective control mechanisms.

Katja Modder

Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications

KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Clear rules and structures are often lacking

While only about one in ten companies has already developed a fully fleshed-out strategy for the use of AI, nearly 60 percent are still in the planning stages. There is also room for improvement in governance and control mechanisms. Only 25 percent of the companies surveyed have established AI guidelines, 23 percent have internal oversight bodies, and just 22 percent systematically train their employees on how to use AI.

AI is currently used most frequently in day-to-day operations, product development, and customer service. 79 percent of companies expect positive effects on customer service and user experience, 78 percent on process efficiency, and 73 percent on revenue growth.

Geopolitical tensions, climate change, and automation shape the agenda

In addition to the use of AI, the TMT Monitor 2026 also examines the most important influencing factors and strategic priorities in the technology, media, and telecommunications industry. 74 percent of the surveyed companies rate geopolitical tensions as particularly significant for their business development. 69 percent each consider increasing automation, as well as climate change and sustainability, to be highly relevant. For 65 percent, threats to corporate security—such as cyberattacks—are a key concern. Strategically, the focus is primarily on workforce development (82 percent), the optimization of workflows (77 percent), and the modernization of IT infrastructure (73 percent).