Overview

• As companies look ahead to 2026, clarity of focus and precision in investment decisions are more important than ever. Based on fresh survey data from senior leaders across the Aurora Live network, this report offers an executive-level benchmark of how large European organisations are approaching strategic planning and budget allocation.

  The report is structured into four concise sections:

  Strategic Focus & Direction: A snapshot of where companies are heading, how priorities are shifting from 2025 to 2026, and the implications for leadership and planning.

• Investment Outlook: A look at current investment postures, planned increases in digital and AI spending, and how different types of companies are adjusting their approaches.

• Technology Priorities & AI Momentum: Insight into which technologies are considered critical for success in 2026, and how AI adoption is expanding in scope and scale.

• External Pressures & Strategic Risk: An exploration of the external factors shaping decisions, with particular focus on the impact of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

This report provides a clear, data-backed view of how companies are balancing ambition with caution, growth with efficiency, and innovation with risk management. It’s a must-read for executives seeking to benchmark their organisation’s trajectory and sharpen their 2026 planning.