Executives across Europe and North America are more confident than ever in technology yet increasingly uneasy about who controls it. That is the central tension revealed in the third edition of VivaTech’s Tech Confidence Barometer, conducted by OpinionWay among senior tech leaders across seven countries.
The study shows an overall confidence score of 89 out of 100, up from 87 in 2025, with executives expressing strong belief in the role of new technologies in driving competitiveness. Nearly nine in ten say their perception of technology’s contribution to their company has improved over the past year, while an equal proportion trust artificial intelligence to help guide business decisions.
Yet beneath this optimism lies a growing paradox. While trust in AI is widespread, concerns around sovereignty cybersecurity and data misuse are becoming harder to ignore.
Sovereignty Takes Centre Stage as an Atlantic Divide Emerges
When adopting new technology, nationality matters more than ever. Ninety two percent of executives say they would favour a technology partner from their own country, with nearly half calling it a decisive factor.
This view is most pronounced in the United States and the United Kingdom, where more than half see national alignment as essential. Across much of Europe, nationality is viewed more as a strategic advantage than a strict requirement, although the Netherlands places equal weight on both approaches.
At the same time, nearly two thirds of executives express concern about the loss of sovereignty that may accompany technological progress, highlighting growing unease over dependency on external platforms and providers.
Trust Is Geographical and Security Driven
Trust in technology is closely tied to where it comes from. Eighty six percent of executives say geography influences their confidence in tech solutions, with nearly half citing their own country as the most trusted source.
Patterns vary by region. American executives show strong confidence in domestic solutions while placing even greater trust in North America as a whole. European leaders tend to favour continental solutions, particularly in France, where European technology commands the highest trust. The United Kingdom sits between these blocs, expressing confidence in both domestic and European innovation.
Across all regions, security remains the primary driver of trust, followed by innovation quality and performance.
The AI Paradox Confidence Without Caution
Artificial intelligence enjoys overwhelming confidence among executives, with nearly nine in ten trusting it to guide decision making. Most believe AI investment is developing in a controlled and sustainable way, with only a small minority fearing a speculative bubble.
Executives are also confident that AI will not lead to job losses in the short term, with more than 90 percent expecting employment levels to remain stable over the next year.
However, risky behaviour is widespread. Nearly four in ten executives admit they have already shared company information with AI tools they did not fully trust. This trend is consistent across countries industries and company sizes, suggesting that adoption is outpacing governance and internal safeguards.
Investment Surges in AI and Cybersecurity
Technology investment remains strong, led by cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. More than four fifths of executives have already invested in cybersecurity, with AI close behind. Cloud computing 5G and the Internet of Things also feature prominently.
Looking ahead, AI and cybersecurity stand out as the top priorities for increased investment over the next 12 months, with a majority planning significant spending increases. Emerging technologies such as robotic process automation and quantum computing are also attracting growing interest as companies seek to strengthen their AI capabilities.
Europe Gains Momentum but Anglophone Markets Lead
Confidence in national tech competitiveness is rising across Europe, narrowing the gap with the United States. While American executives remain the most enthusiastic, countries such as the United Kingdom France Spain and Italy have all seen notable increases in confidence. Germany remains stable just below the international average.
Technology as a Solution With Pragmatic Limits
Executives overwhelmingly believe technology can help address major societal challenges, including environmental and social issues. While diversity inclusion and sustainability remain core values, leaders are taking a pragmatic stance, with many welcoming a renewed focus on business fundamentals among major tech players.
The 2026 Confidence Barometer ultimately paints a picture of a tech sector full of belief in its own power yet increasingly aware of the risks that come with it. As investment accelerates and AI becomes embedded in everyday decision making, the question is no longer whether technology can deliver impact but how safely and sovereignly it can do so.
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