A recent report from PitchBook Data Inc. outlines the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a foundational infrastructure for the global economy over the next fifty years. The report, titled “Artificial Intelligence Outlook: The Great Competition Wars Have Begun,” emphasizes that AI has transitioned from an experimental technology to a central force influencing enterprise value across various sectors, including enterprise software, cybersecurity, and global supply chains.
Key Growth Areas in AI
The report highlights that AI-powered customer service and support is poised to become the largest near-term winner, with expected growth from $27.9 billion in 2025 to $56.2 billion by 2030. This expansion is largely driven by the efficiency gains from autonomous ticket resolution and workflow automation, which are allowing organizations to handle customer interactions without human intervention.
Traditional business intelligence and analytics platforms are facing challenges, as natural language interfaces and real-time insights increasingly replace static dashboards. Additionally, compliance software is emerging as a significant growth category as regulatory complexities rise globally. For infrastructure software as a service (SaaS), PitchBook notes that AI-focused data management tools are becoming essential for enterprises grappling with data quality and governance issues. The infrastructure SaaS market is projected to more than double from $69.2 billion in 2025 to $155.6 billion by 2030.
Cybersecurity and Defense Innovations
In the realm of cybersecurity, AI-driven data protection and encryption are anticipated to grow from $14 billion to $32.3 billion by 2030. This growth reflects the increasing need for enterprises to safeguard their models against threats such as data theft and adversarial prompts. However, the report cautions that newer AI security startups may struggle to compete as established platforms integrate AI protection features rapidly.
The report also underscores the importance of AI in defense technology, particularly autonomous maritime systems. These systems are deemed strategically vital for securing undersea cables and protecting energy infrastructure, while traditional human-piloted drones and radar systems face the risk of becoming obsolete.
In the supply chain sector, geopolitical instability and regulatory changes are pushing companies to rethink logistics strategies. AI-powered supply chain planning tools are emerging as critical systems, with projections indicating growth from $6.5 billion to $13.4 billion by 2030. Companies that do not adapt to AI integration in their transportation and logistics operations may face long-term disruption.
The report concludes that the winners in the AI landscape will be those companies that establish strong network effects, secure unique data advantages, and integrate AI deeply into their operations. As enterprises increasingly rely on AI technologies for substantial operational improvements, legacy platforms that fail to transition to AI-native architectures may face accelerating displacement in the market.
