2023 Mid-Market Technology Trends Report (original) (raw)

Companies of all sizes, in all sectors, are likely pondering the role of technology in their short- and long-term strategies. But many middle-market companies—powerhouses of the U.S. economy—have their own considerations for when, how, and why to adopt certain technologies based on the nuances of this fast-growing segment. How do the challenges and opportunities of middle-market companies inform their technology decisions? What are the trending strategies and investment decisions within this segment?

2023 marks our ninth year surveying representatives within middle-market private and family-owned companies—all with annual revenues of approximately 250millionto250 million to 250millionto1 billion. This year’s findings had a common theme: Growth ambitions are being powered by industry convergence.

When we talk about industry convergence, what does this look like within the middle market? Let’s head to the apple orchards of Washington state. Currently, orchardists are testing a 14-foot-tall robot with mechanical arms, one that’s capable of picking the ripest apples from the tree. The hope is that one day this robotic picker might help alleviate human labor shortages for agricultural work. This type of precision farming is possible because of the convergence between the high-tech industry and agriculture. By using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data, workers can focus on optimizing the harvesting and distribution of their products.

These survey results indicate that mid-market private companies are currently using industry convergence to power their growth ambitions. Not only are they prioritizing technology investments that reduce time to value, but they’re innovating at an incredible pace—something we haven’t seen in previous surveys. While there are upsides to this shift, navigating blurred sector lines also presents its own challenges. Mid-market companies are now confronting headwinds affecting many parts of their businesses, including evolving cyber threats, changing talent configurations, and the impact of generative AI.

This report takes a look at the challenges facing private and family-owned middle-market companies and the strategies they might consider to pursue their full potential in an era of disruption.

Let's take a look at the report's four sections

Four sections, four key trends to watch:

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Section 1: Investments and spending strategies

Learn how to lay a foundation that fosters growth by viewing the latest tech investments, spending strategies, and areas of opportunity.

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Section 2: Industry convergence

Understand the impact of industry convergence and where opportunities for growth and transformation lie.

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Section 3: AI adoption and implementation

Learn more about what mid-market AI adoption and implementation looks like as well as the challenges that may come with it.

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Section 4: Executable strategies

Walk away with executable strategies, including the top three technology goals for the middle market in the coming year.

About the research

In May 2023, a survey of private and mid-market companies was conducted. It examined technology trends taking place in this market segment to determine the role that technology plays and how it influences business decisions. The 500 survey respondents represented companies with annual revenues ranging from 250milliontoalittlemorethan250 million to a little more than 250milliontoalittlemorethan1 billion. 50% of respondents were C-suite executives, while the remainder were non-C-suite decision-makers. 80% of respondents represented companies that are privately held, while the rest were publicly traded firms. Among industries, 39% were from technology, media, and telecommunications companies; 22% were from financial services companies; 21% represented consumer and industrial products companies; and the remaining respondents were divided among energy and resources companies, and life sciences and health care (LSHC) companies.

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Wolfe Tone

Vice Chair, US Deloitte Private Leader | Global Deloitte Private Leader

Wolfe is the leader of Deloitte Private for the US and globally. With offices in more than 80 countries, Deloitte professionals address the unique needs of private companies and their stakeholders lev... More

Ryan Jones

Principal | Deloitte Consulting LLP

Ryan Jones is a principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP and currently serves as the Technology Industry leader and as a member of the US India Board of Directors. He has more than 20 years of experience ... More

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