Meet the Experts
In 2026, technology leaders in the SAP space must navigate significant challenges such as geopolitical instability and macroeconomic uncertainty while striving to innovate and support business goals.
The focus on increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs is critical, with 70% of SAPinsider survey respondents identifying it as their top priority, making it essential for effective technology investments.
As IT leaders restructure their SAP roadmaps, they must not deprioritize cybersecurity during rapid ERP transformations and AI deployments to mitigate risks and protect organizational assets.
Technology leaders in the SAP space must balance the need to continuously innovate and remain current on SAP solutions and technology while supporting the needs of business teams and achieving organizational goals. In 2026, these leaders face significant challenges. Geopolitical instability and global macroeconomic uncertainty must be weighed against the need to complete and optimize ERP transformations, deploy AI within SAP applications, and manage costs effectively. This can make supporting business priorities while driving innovation a challenge that should be explored and understood.
To understand the strategic agenda for technology leaders in 2026, SAPinsider surveyed its community between December 2025 and March 2026 to identify their key priorities for 2026, what they are doing to support business goals, the biggest challenges they are facing as a technology leader, their SAP priorities and planned investments, the status of their ERP journey, and their planned use of AI in SAP-related initiatives. Additionally, respondents were also asked about the global factors they expect will impact their strategies in 2026.
Not surprisingly, increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs were identified by 70% of respondents as their top priority. Managing costs has long been important for technology leaders, even as they strive to implement technologies that support new or changed business requirements. While it is not always possible to manage costs, it may be more possible to increase the efficiency of existing processes, which can, in turn, bring cost savings. Technologies that help achieve these goals are crucial from a business priorities standpoint.
Download the benchmark report to read the full data analysis and receive recommendations for your own plans.
– Discover why foundational investments in SAP BTP are currently outpacing direct spending on artificial intelligence.
– Learn how macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical tensions are actively forcing IT leaders to restructure their SAP roadmaps.
– Understand the critical danger of deprioritizing cybersecurity during rapid ERP transformations and AI deployments.
