Transformation Study 2026
The insights every transformation leader should know.
Learn from more than 1,000 real-world IT transformations across the globe.
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What made your last transformation a success, what caused it to fall short?
1,115 transformations. 15 countries. Unexpected insights.
For the fifth edition of the Transformation Study, Natuvion and NTT DATA Business Solutions surveyed IT decision-makers around the globe about their most recent transformation projects. They shared what worked, what changed along the way, and how AI is reshaping modern transformation.
The result: a data-driven look at the biggest challenges, emerging trends, and proven success factors behind today's IT transformations.
What's top of mind for IT leaders?
What's driving digital sovereignty?
Geopolitics, regulation, and data sovereignty are reshaping IT transformation. 72% of organizations are transforming to strengthen their data and technology sovereignty. Learn how global developments are changing transformation priorities.
Why does only one in four migrations stay on track?
IT transformations are anything but linear. 71% of organizations have to adapt their migration strategy mid-project. Find out why flexibility along the way is crucial to successful transformations.
Why do 26% get caught off guard by data quality?
More than one in four organizations identify poor data quality as their biggest transformation challenge. That's a double problem: poor data slows down transformation – and limits the full potential of AI.
Why do 80% of transformations fall behind schedule?
Timeline overruns are the rule, not the exception. Discover how significant the delays really are – and which unexpected challenges cause the biggest setbacks.
How are the most successful companies using AI?
AI is both the driving force behind and a powerful tool for IT transformations. 76.2% of organizations already use AI systematically throughout their projects. Discover where AI delivers the greatest impact.
Why do 82% exceed their budget?
Only one in five organizations stays within budget during its transformation. The study reveals the biggest cost drivers and the most expensive pitfalls.
The knowledge advantage for your IT transformation
Benefit from over 1,000 transformations worldwide.
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We deliberately only took with us what had proven itself. The hybrid approach was the right compromise between innovation and efficiency for us.
AI is a real game changer in data migration: our projects show that effort and costs can be reduced by up to two thirds - while at the same time improving data quality by up to 40 percent.
Those who rely on high-quality data migration at an early stage not only gain systemic clarity - they also create the basis for training AI with real, organically grown data and using it strategically.
IT transformation is less a project than a permanent condition.
What you need to know for your next transformation
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72 % are driven by the desire for data sovereignty
While IT transformations were once driven primarily by technology, strategic and geopolitical factors are taking center stage in 2026. 72% of organizations now identify data and technology sovereignty as the most important external driver of their transformation.
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Clear shift in transformation goals
A move away from pure cost reduction towards innovation and new technologies. This change has been on the horizon for years and in 2026, is now more evident than ever. Today, the ability to innovate and flexibility to do so are among the key drivers of transformation.
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Remaining adaptable: having dynamic projects during the term
Successful transformation succeeds above all when companies remain adaptable. Our study shows that many companies refocused their projects during the course of their transformation; both in terms of methodology approach and migration strategy. Flexibility is therefore becoming a key strength of modern transformation projects.
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Data quality remains a major hurdle
Data quality continues to be a major obstacle to successful IT transformations. Organizations that underestimate its importance often face delays, higher costs, and increased testing efforts. Its impact extends across every phase of the transformation; from migration to go-live and beyond.
Who the study is for
The study is designed for organizations planning an IT transformation or who are already in the middle of one. Drawing on data from multiple industries, the study offers a broad international perspective. From Germany and the U.S. to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, the study highlights current trends and challenges while providing practical insights and recommendations for IT transformation.

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