KPMG Global tech report 2026: Private enterprise

Technology has moved beyond being a growth enabler — it is now a defining factor of competitiveness. As private enterprises enter a decisive phase in their digital evolution, leaders are being challenged to invest wisely, balance risk with ambition, and unlock real value from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and advanced data platforms.

The KPMG Global Tech Report 2026 – Private Enterprise explores how private organisations around the world are responding to this moment of transformation — and what differentiates those that are pulling ahead from those at risk of falling behind.

Key findings

Across global private enterprises, the shift from experimentation to scaled technology deployment is well underway. Private companies are showing strong momentum, with 42% identifying as innovators or early adopters, significantly ahead of public companies.

At the same time, many organisations are taking a more proactive approach to digital transformation, prioritising forward‑looking strategies over reactive, trend‑driven adoption.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming central to enterprise value creation. What began as a tool for productivity and efficiency is increasingly viewed as a driver of growth, with 89% of private enterprises expecting AI to become a new source of revenue in the coming years.

As adoption accelerates, organisations are also evolving towards hybrid human‑digital workforce models, where managing AI systems and agents is expected to become a critical future skill.
Cybersecurity

Trust, security and governance are emerging as essential foundations for this next phase of adoption.

Cybersecurity remains the number one technology priority, with 77% of private companies planning to increase investment to protect data, support trusted AI implementation and strengthen resilience.

Collaboration between technology, security and risk teams is increasingly recognised as critical to safeguarding systems and maintaining stakeholder confidence.
Talent

The report also highlights that technology transformation is as much a people challenge as a systems one.

Talent shortages continue to act as a barrier for many organisations, reinforcing the need to invest not only in new technologies, but also in reskilling, upskilling and leadership capability.

Building organisation‑wide understanding of AI — often referred to as “AIQ” — is now key to sustaining competitive advantage.

For private enterprises in Ireland, the opportunity is clear. Strong ambition, agility and a long‑term mindset position organisations well to lead in the Intelligence Age.

The focus now is on accelerating — aligning technology investment with business strategy, embedding trust and security from the outset, and empowering people to work confidently alongside AI.

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KPMG Global tech report 2026: Private Enterprise

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How KPMG can help

KPMG professionals work with private enterprises to navigate the shift from emerging technology experimentation to scaled, value‑driven deployment.

We support organisations in aligning technology investment with business strategy, strengthening cybersecurity and governance, and building the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in the Intelligence Age.

Drawing on our Private Enterprise expertise and Trusted AI framework, we help organisations adopt technology with confidence — enabling innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.