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GitLab Inc.'s 2025 executive survey, conducted by The Harris Poll with 2,786 C-level leaders across eight global markets, reveals AI-driven software innovation as a pivotal force for economic growth. The report estimates a potential $750 billion in global value, driven by enhanced productivity and revenue, but highlights challenges in skills, governance, and cybersecurity.
AI-driven software innovation could unlock over $750B globally.
Saves $28,249 per developer annually, with $149B from the U.S. alone.
91% of executives prioritize software innovation for business growth.
89% expect agentic AI to standardize software development by 2028.
Cybersecurity (52%) and data privacy (51%) top AI adoption concerns.
92% emphasize training to address AI-related skill gaps.
The Economics of Software Innovation report positions AI as a catalyst for business expansion, with executives reporting a 44% revenue increase and 48% boost in developer productivity. Scaled across 27 million developers worldwide, AI investments yield $28,249 in savings per developer annually, contributing over $750 billion globally, including $149 billion from the U.S. This underscores software innovation’s role as a key economic driver.
Agentic AI, which autonomously handles complex tasks, is gaining traction, with 89% of executives anticipating it as the industry standard within three years. However, concerns include cybersecurity threats (52%), data privacy (51%), and governance (45%). To mitigate risks, 53% are adopting regulatory-aligned governance, and 52% are establishing internal AI policies to ensure secure and ethical AI deployment.
“AI-fueled software innovation is an undeniable source of competitive advantage and economic impact, with 91% of executives saying that it’s now a core business priority,” said Bill Staples, chief executive officer at GitLab. “The companies pulling ahead are the ones blending AI with human expertise, leveraging agentic AI with intention, aligning software strategy with business value, and building guardrails to innovate responsibly.”
While AI drives efficiency, 99% of executives value human contributions, particularly creativity and strategic vision (both 39%). A desired 50/50 human-AI partnership contrasts with the current 75/25 split, prompting 92% to prioritize employee training. Upskilling is critical to maintaining a competitive edge in software development as AI adoption accelerates.
Software innovation enjoys strong boardroom support, with 91% of executives noting board approval and 82% ready to allocate over half their IT budget. Organizations use metrics like business growth (40%), problem-solving (40%), and developer productivity (39%) to measure success, with 90% adopting frameworks to align software efforts with business outcomes.
GitLab’s findings highlight AI-driven software innovation as a transformative opportunity. By addressing skill gaps, implementing robust governance, and aligning strategies, enterprises can unlock significant value, ensuring long-term success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
GitLab is the most comprehensive, intelligent DevSecOps platform for software innovation. GitLab enables organizations to increase developer productivity, improve operational efficiency, reduce security and compliance risk, and accelerate digital transformation. More than 50 million registered users and more than 50% of the Fortune 100 trust GitLab to ship better, more secure software faster.
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