KPMG study examines top trends among German companies: digitalisation and performance are at the top of the agenda

• AI and digital technologies are the most important future issue for German companies: 89 per cent rate the topic as highly relevant, with cybersecurity (84 per cent) coming a close second 
• Business performance and performance culture (79 per cent each) are also among the most important areas of focus
• Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, companies are largely optimistic about the future

Berlin, July 6, 2026
 

Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are at the top of the agenda for German companies in 2026. As technological change progresses, the importance of cybersecurity is also growing. At the same time, issues such as performance and competitiveness are coming more into focus. Many companies recognise the strategic relevance of these developments, but still see a considerable need for action when it comes to implementation. This is shown by KPMG’s “Future Readiness Monitor 2026” in Germany, for which 524 executives from 15 sectors were surveyed.

AI and digital technologies achieved the highest relevance score of all future topics examined, at 89 per cent. At the same time, the topic has the highest investment priority, at 69 per cent. Despite its high importance, only 33 per cent of companies so far consider themselves sufficiently prepared. 

Future technologies and innovation, at 73 per cent, are also among the most important areas. At the same time, only 34 per cent of companies rate themselves as sufficiently prepared. With an investment priority of 53 per cent, future technologies and innovation are therefore among the key growth areas for the coming years.

Cybersecurity, too, ranks among the most important future topics for German companies, with 84 per cent citing it as a priority and an investment priority of 60 per cent. With a maturity level of 56 per cent, many companies already regard their capabilities in this area as comparatively well developed.  

Furthermore, business performance and performance culture both achieve very high relevance scores of 79 per cent each. Companies are also increasingly addressing the question of how they can secure their performance, productivity and adaptability in the long term.

Regulatory requirements and governance (73 per cent) as well as the strategic development of business models (71 per cent) also remain key future issues. Geopolitical developments (62 per cent), sustainable business practices (63 per cent) and the consideration of climate risks (45 per cent) are also rated as relevant. However, their significance is more strongly influenced by sector, business model and external conditions. Whilst export-oriented industries, heavily regulated markets and globally interconnected value chains often feel particularly strong pressure to act in these areas, other sectors are currently focusing more on operational transformation and performance issues.

Despite geopolitical tensions, technological upheavals and regulatory requirements, German companies are predominantly optimistic about the coming years. The differences between sectors are striking: where new technologies are already more deeply integrated into business models and value creation, optimism is often greater. Sectors such as insurance, technology and consumer goods are particularly positive about the future. The outlook is more cautious in sectors such as the automotive, property and construction industries.