In the EMEA region, the role of the CIO is evolving. According to the 2026 State of the CIO study, 85% are move involved in leading digital transformation initiatives. Supporting this, EMEA CIOs anticipate working more closely with business leaders on potential AI initiatives. 

These individuals are also optimistic about tech budget growth in order to move forward with their projects. Eighty-seven percent expect their overall IT budget to either increase or stay the same in 2026. Top reasons for budget increases include infrastructure modernization, additional investments in AI/machine learning projects, and keep pace with rising costs of technology and services. It’s also no surprise that given the AI frenzy this past year, 81% of EMEA CIOs say they’re tasked with researching and evaluating AI additions to add to their tech stack. 

In the infographic below, you’ll get a full view into:

  • Budget expectations for CIOs in EMEA
  • The top business and technology priorities for this year
  • Where CIOs are spending more and less time this year
  • How AI is reshaping the CIO agenda in EMEA

Click on the image below to view the full infographic.