As we wrap up the year, CompTIA's Seth Robinson dives into the 2026 forecasts from leading research firms IDC and Gartner. The big headline? Worldwide IT revenue is projected to see its most significant growth in 30 years.

While AI infrastructure investment is the primary catalyst, this video explores why the ripple effects are much broader. We look at how the shift from building infrastructure to deploying software and services is stabilizing the digital economy and what this means for the future of IT skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Growth: IDC predicts 2026 will see the largest jump in IT spending since 1996.

• The "Dual Effect" of AI: Beyond large-scale hardware, AI is driving essential spending in networking, cybersecurity, and data management.

• From Hardware to Services: Gartner data suggests that while data center spending remains strong, the focus is shifting toward Software and Services as companies begin building on their new infrastructure.

• The Digital Economy Reality: IT spending continues to outpace GDP growth, signaling that technology is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for business differentiation.

• Workforce Impact: Despite automation, the demand for specialized IT skills remains steady as companies navigate complex digital transformations.

IDC Article mentioned: https://my.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS54010425