Market research firm Gartner projected that global spending related to artificial intelligence (AI) this year will reach $252.78 billion (about 3,736 trillion won).
Gartner said in its report released on the 16th, "Global AI expenditure outlook," that this year's AI expenditure will approach $252.78 billion, up 44% from last year's $175.71 billion. It predicted that as tech corporations expand their AI foundations, expenditure related to AI infrastructure will reach $136.63 billion, accounting for more than half (54%).
Gartner assessed that the success or failure of AI investment depends not on the sheer size of investment but on human capabilities and organizational maturity. John-David Lovelock, Gartner senior VP analyst, said, "AI adoption does not depend on financial investment; it is determined by the level of readiness in human capabilities and organizational processes," adding, "The more mature an organization is, the more it is reshaping AI investment strategies around proven outcomes rather than uncertain potential."
Lovelock noted, "AI is expected to remain in the 'trough of disillusionment' phase through 2026," and said, "Accordingly, AI will more often spread gradually through software vendors already in use rather than being pursued as standalone projects."
He added, "For AI to spread across corporations, predictability regarding return on investment (ROI) must come first."
With the expansion of AI foundation building, Gartner expected expenditure on AI-optimized servers to increase 49% from a year earlier. The investment is projected to account for about 17% of total AI expenditure.