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AI Spending Fuels High-Tech Growth in 2025, but a Crucial Test Lies Ahead

Experts say 2026 could test the industry, as many AI projects still need funding and must prove they can deliver sustainable returns.
AI Spending Fuels High-Tech Growth in 2025, but a Crucial Test Lies Ahead
Artificial Intelligence signage at the Mobile World Congress, the world's largest mobile technology trade show, in Barcelona, Spain, on March 3, 2025. Manaure Quintero/AFP
Panos Mourdoukoutas
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Heavy investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure accounted for the majority of information technology spending in 2025. It emerged as a key driver of growth across the high-tech sector, as companies anticipated another wave of digital transformation in the U.S. and global economies.

However, 2026 may present a critical test for the industry, with many AI projects still needing to secure financing and demonstrate sustainable returns.

Panos Mourdoukoutas
Panos Mourdoukoutas
Author
Panos Mourdoukoutas is a professor of economics at Long Island University in New York City. He also teaches security analysis at Columbia University. He’s been published in professional journals and magazines, including Forbes, Investopedia, Barron's, IBT, and Journal of Financial Research. He’s also the author of many books, including “Business Strategy in a Semiglobal Economy” and “China's Challenge.”