5 trends reshaping enterprise IT strategy

According to the Flexential 2025 State of AI Infrastructure Report, AI initiatives are moving from experimentation to execution, with enterprise leaders racing to overcome infrastructure, talent, and sustainability challenges. Let’s explore the five essential trends shaping how organizations plan, build, and secure their AI infrastructure strategies in the year ahead.

1. The C-Suite is leading the AI charge

Executives are no longer on the sidelines. In 2025, 81% of organizations cite the C-suite as the driving force behind AI adoption—a dramatic shift from just 53% a year ago. This strategic leadership is translating into major investments: 70% of companies now allocate 10% or more of their total IT budgets to AI initiatives. Business leaders are laser-focused on results, with over half expecting financial ROI from AI within 12 months.

2. Infrastructure bottlenecks threaten scale

AI workloads demand massive computing power, and many organizations are hitting a wall. 44% say infrastructure constraints are the biggest barrier to scaling AI. Legacy systems, limited power availability, and long procurement cycles are forcing IT leaders to rethink how—and how early—they plan for data center capacity. With vacancy rates in top U.S. markets below 2%, proactive planning and strategic partnerships have never been more important.

3. The AI skills gap is widening

Only 14% of IT leaders feel they have the right people in place to meet AI goals. Skills shortages in infrastructure management, data science, and advanced networking are on the rise. While companies are investing in upskilling programs and AI-assisted tools, the talent gap is widening faster than traditional education or hiring can fill it—threatening innovation and employee retention alike.

4. Network and security pressures are escalating

From bandwidth shortages (59%) to excessive latency (53%), network performance is increasingly a make-or-break factor in AI success. At the same time, cyber vulnerabilities are growing, as AI expands the attack surface and exposes new weaknesses. Organizations are responding with next-gen solutions like 5G, SDN, and colocation—but the margin for error is narrowing.

5. Sustainability has become a strategic imperative

AI’s resource demands are intensifying sustainability concerns. Data centers now consume 4.4% of U.S. electricity, with projections soaring to 12% by 2028. Nearly 80% of organizations feel increased pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and more than three-quarters are willing to pay at least 11% more to ensure their providers use renewable energy. Environmental responsibility is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical.

The infrastructure race is on

AI is accelerating, and enterprises that don’t modernize their infrastructure risk falling behind. From strategic leadership and infrastructure readiness to cybersecurity and sustainability, the pressure to act is intensifying across every sector.

Want the complete picture? Download the 2025 State of AI Infrastructure Report to access the full survey findings, insights, and data fueling this transformation.