A recent GSMA Intelligence report reveals that businesses are increasingly focusing on revenue growth and cybersecurity as key components of their digital transformation strategies.
The research, titled "The Rise of Digital Industries: Navigating Enterprise Needs, Investments, and Supplier Decisions," found that 60% of businesses are now prioritizing customer experience, competitive positioning, and revenue growth over cost-cutting goals.
The telecom organization noted a major shift in how companies approach digital transformation, with a growing emphasis on protecting digital assets and ensuring business continuity amid rising cyber threats.
Additionally, the GSMA report highlighted a strong trend in investment, with companies planning to allocate a larger share of their revenue to digital technologies in the coming years. Enterprises surveyed are projected to invest 9% of their revenue between 2024 and 2026, with this figure expected to rise to 11% from 2027 to 2030. This shift indicates a deepening commitment to digital innovation and infrastructure.
As companies continue to accelerate their digital transformation efforts, many are choosing to collaborate with a diverse range of suppliers to meet their technology needs. The report shows a preference for generalist suppliers—such as hyperscalers and telecom network/equipment vendors—that offer comprehensive, full-stack solutions.
Pablo Iacopino, Head of Research at GSMAi, commented, "Enterprises of all sizes are eager to advance their digital transformation and are investing accordingly. As a result, supplier competition has intensified."
Iacopino emphasized that telcos must go beyond providing traditional network services, as businesses increasingly seek partners who can support them across their entire digital transformation journey, combining technologies like 5G, AI, IoT, and cloud to enhance efficiency, security, and revenue generation.
He also noted that the cost of implementation and the complexity of tech integration are the top two challenges enterprises face during deployment. This highlights the growing importance of tech orchestrators, creating new opportunities for multi-service suppliers.