Brazilian companies plan to make a leap in technology and should prioritize investments in AI in the coming years, reveals ABES
Exclusive study in partnership with the International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that most companies, in all sectors, already use artificial intelligence to transform strategic decisions
The Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES), one of the main representative entities of the information technology and software sector in Brazil, releases the results of the study “Business Transformation: Technological Innovation, its Use and Impacts on Brazilian Industry”, carried out exclusively and in partnership with the International Data Corporation (IDC). The survey outlines a current and strategic overview of how Brazilian companies are using emerging technologies, with a special focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in the agribusiness, finance, health and education sectors.
Conducted between January and April of this year, the survey interviewed 106 executives, including CEOs, VPs, technology directors and other positions, from companies with more than 100 employees, to understand the impact of technology on their corporations. In total, 16% of the C-levels said they do not yet use it, but will incorporate the resources in the next 12 months. This is because 95.2% of the companies already have, in their current plans, the intention to insert AI in some type of function. The research also identified that the percentage of IT investments in these companies could reach up to 10% of revenue, and that 75% of the companies surveyed will increase their IT investments. Among the main objectives of using AI are improving customer experience, data security and transforming data into information that generates strategic decisions.
This trend signals a growing understanding of the role of technology as a driver of innovation, efficiency and competitiveness. Another relevant fact points out that, in order to prioritize investments in AI, many organizations have reduced spending on PCs and tablets, migrating to cloud solutions and virtualized environments, which offer greater scalability and flexibility.
“The advancement of generative artificial intelligence and the increase in investments in information technology show that Brazilian companies are understanding that innovation is no longer optional — it is the competitive edge of today. The migration to cloud solutions and more flexible environments reveals a strategic mindset: more than updating infrastructure, it is about preparing businesses for an increasingly digital and dynamic future,” says Andriei Gutierrez, president of ABES.
Despite the advances, the study highlights that the adoption of AI in Brazilian industry is still at a moderate stage, encountering challenges such as lack of qualified labor and emerging regulations. “For the industry to advance, it is essential to invest in technological infrastructure, people training and systems integration,” says Fabio Martinelli, senior analyst at IDC and one of those responsible for the study.
For Jorge Sukarie, ABES advisor and responsible for the study, we are facing a structural change. “Technology has ceased to be a support and has become a central part of the business strategy. ABES’ role is to foster this innovation ecosystem and support companies in developing solutions that contribute to Brazil’s sustainable growth,” he says.
The full research is available to members and those interested in understanding how innovation is shaping the future of the national industry, on this link.
About ABES
ABES (Brazilian Association of Software Companies) aims to contribute to the construction of a more digital and less unequal Brazil, in which information technology plays a fundamental role in the democratization of knowledge and the creation of new opportunities for all. In this sense, it aims to ensure a business environment conducive to innovation, ethical, dynamic, sustainable and globally competitive, always in line with its mission of connecting, guiding, protecting and developing the Brazilian information technology market.
Currently, ABES represents around 2,000 companies, which total approximately 80% of the software and services sector's revenue in Brazil, distributed across 24 states and the Federal District, responsible for the generation of more than 260 thousand direct jobs and an annual revenue of around R$103 billion in 2024. Access the ABES Portal or call +55 (11) 5094-3100.
ABES – Press Contacts:
Weber Shandwick Brasil - abes@webershandwick.com
Paula Boracini – +55 (11) 98415-0314
Carol Herling – +55 (11) 99553-7756
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