Cybersecurity tops investment priorities for ANZ companies

Digital & Innovation: Cybersecurity remains the top technology investment for Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) companies, with a striking 88% prioritising it for 2025. Following closely are data analytics at 84%, cloud platforms at 83%, and generative AI (GenAI) at 81%.

Brian Ferreira, VP of EXP Advisory Services at Gartner, explained “With greater government regulation, coupled with some of the largest cyberattacks we’ve seen in ANZ this year, organisations face greater scrutiny as they batten down the hatches to avoid becoming the next target or breaching stewardship.

“This continues to drive significant focus and investment towards cybersecurity and legal compliance into next year.”

The 2025 Gartner Survey, which included insights from 3,186 respondents – 109 of whom were from ANZ across public, private, and non-profit sectors – revealed a significant shift in technology investment priorities.

Ferreira added, “GenAI has shot towards the top of the technology investment list for next year as organisations continue to navigate their way towards realising the business value that GenAI can offer as the hype subsides. They’re also facing more stringent laws to increase stewardship obligations.”

The survey also highlighted a notable shift in priorities, with 94% of ANZ companies now viewing improved operating margins as the most crucial outcome from digital technology investments, a dramatic rise from 48% in 2024.

Ensuring compliance and minimising risks follows closely at 92%, up from 57% last year, and excelling in customer experience stands at 87%, a significant increase from 70% in 2024.

Ferreira pointed out, “The uncertain economic climate businesses have operated in the last few years has increased executive and board scrutiny on technology investments.

“Next year will be critical for ANZ CIOs to prioritise technology activities, in conjunction with executive stakeholders, by aligning technology spend and resources to validated high-priority smart spending levers at the enterprise level.”

As regulatory landscapes in Australia and New Zealand continue to evolve, leaders are tasked with guiding their organisations towards a future defined by digital stewardship, responsible innovation, stringent compliance, and active engagement in shaping regulatory norms.

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