Technology research firm Omdia has identified artificial intelligence (AI) monetisation, persistent supply chain disruption, digital sovereignty and Physical AI as four forces expected to shape the technology industry in 2027.
In a recent report, Omdia said the industry would face increasing pressure to translate years of investment and innovation into measurable economic and operational outcomes.
According to Omdia, 59% of organisations expect their AI budgets to increase by at least 10% in 2027, placing greater emphasis on return on investment (ROI) and productivity gains. The company said businesses would increasingly assess AI based on the value it delivers rather than technical capabilities alone.
Supply chain volatility is also expected to remain a challenge, with demand for AI infrastructure, component constraints, geopolitical pressures and energy requirements contributing to uncertainty. Omdia reported that hardware delays were already affecting 60% of PC channel partners.
Digital sovereignty is another area of focus, as more than 100 countries pursue initiatives to strengthen control over data, infrastructure, AI and digital supply chains. However, Omdia noted that complete technological independence would rarely be practical or necessary, requiring organisations to weigh greater control against additional costs and complexity.
The fourth force, Physical AI, reflects the expansion of AI into physical environments through robotics, connected hardware, sensors and edge computing. Omdia expects global humanoid robot shipments to exceed 700,000 units by 2030.
The company said the development of Physical AI would create opportunities across vehicles, buildings, energy infrastructure and workplaces, while raising questions about safety, governance, liability and integration.
Omdia chief research officer Evan Kirchheimer said the technology industry’s defining challenge in 2027 would be how recent investment and innovation meet economic and operational realities.
“AI needs to demonstrate returns. Supply chain disruption needs to be planned for rather than waited out,” Kirchheimer said.
He added that the growing focus on digital sovereignty would involve difficult decisions around cost and access, while AI’s expansion into the physical world would introduce new opportunities and responsibilities.
Kirchheimer said the four forces were becoming increasingly interconnected, making it important for businesses to consider the broader technology landscape when making investment and competitive decisions.
Omdia’s Forces Shaping 2027 programme brings together research from across the technology sector. The company said it would continue tracking the four forces throughout 2027 through ongoing research and analysis, supported by an e-book and AI-enabled access to its research.
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