Join host Seth Robinson for the first episode of our 2026 outlook series on Trend Watch. In this episode, we move past the headlines and the "bubble" rhetoric to explore how Artificial Intelligence will genuinely influence the technology workforce and business landscape this year.

Seth breaks down the "tale of two AIs" currently creating tension in the market: the rapid adoption of AI as an individual productivity tool versus the complex, longer-term integration of AI as a scalable corporate asset. While consumer tools like ChatGPT have democratized access, businesses face unique hurdles in turning these capabilities into organizational value.

In this episode, we cover:
• The Dual Hype Cycle: Understanding why individual and corporate AI adoption operate on different timeframes and expectations.
• Barriers to Scale: Why cybersecurity remains the leading challenge, followed closely by data readiness and defining clear ROI.
• Human-AI Balance: How companies are striving to augment—not replace—workforce efforts to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• The Skills Gap: A look at the demand for AI fluency, the necessity of strong core skills, and why 80% of companies plan to invest in AI training in the coming year.

We also discuss CompTIA's AI framework and how skill domains like AI security and data interaction are weaving into every job role, from help desk to software development.

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Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research.

Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step.

Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals.

Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

As we wrap up the year, CompTIA's Seth Robinson dives into the 2026 forecasts from leading research firms IDC and Gartner. The big headline? Worldwide IT revenue is projected to see its most significant growth in 30 years.

While AI infrastructure investment is the primary catalyst, this video explores why the ripple effects are much broader. We look at how the shift from building infrastructure to deploying software and services is stabilizing the digital economy and what this means for the future of IT skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Growth: IDC predicts 2026 will see the largest jump in IT spending since 1996.

• The "Dual Effect" of AI: Beyond large-scale hardware, AI is driving essential spending in networking, cybersecurity, and data management.

• From Hardware to Services: Gartner data suggests that while data center spending remains strong, the focus is shifting toward Software and Services as companies begin building on their new infrastructure.

• The Digital Economy Reality: IT spending continues to outpace GDP growth, signaling that technology is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for business differentiation.

• Workforce Impact: Despite automation, the demand for specialized IT skills remains steady as companies navigate complex digital transformations.

IDC Article mentioned: https://my.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS54010425

In this week's podcast, Seth Robinson dives into a key challenge facing IT today: complexity.

Inspired by an AFCEA article on the military's need to reduce complexity for digital transformation, Seth argues that while complexity isn't going away, standardizing and managing it is crucial, especially after years of heavy investment in digital components. He also tackles the often-debated concept of Digital Transformation.

Drawing on CompTIA's framework, Seth breaks down digital transformation into four foundational components:

1. Cloud-Based Infrastructure: Moving beyond simple adoption to optimization, orchestration, and security, as the cloud enables access to more advanced technologies.

2. Software-Defined Processes: The core area where AI is making the biggest impact, accelerating everything from internal software development to business functions like content creation and data analysis.

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Requires a dual focus on Data Management (gathering, engineering, preparing) and Data Analytics (basic analysis up through advanced data science and statistical modeling).

4. Cybersecurity-Aware Operations: Expanding beyond the IT function, this involves integrating cybersecurity awareness into all company operations, covering technology, regulatory compliance, vendor selection, and daily employee behavior.

Ultimately, successful digital transformation—even amid a "cool down" in interest—means confronting and taming the underlying complexity as new technologies like AI continue to emerge.

Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org

CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you.

CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career.

CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech.

CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry.

CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills.

Connect with Us:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/

💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA

💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/

Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body.

CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career.

CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research.

Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step.

Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals.

Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.