A new report from PitchBook Data Inc. reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become the defining infrastructure layer of the global economy over the next fifty years. The report, titled “Artificial Intelligence Outlook: The Great Competition Wars Have Begun,” identifies significant competition across sectors including enterprise software, cybersecurity, defense systems, and global supply chains.
The report highlights that AI has transitioned from an experimental concept to a vital component of value creation and destruction in major technology sectors. Particularly within enterprise software, AI-powered customer service and support are expected to be the largest immediate beneficiaries. PitchBook forecasts that this market will grow from $27.9 billion in 2025 to $56.2 billion by 2030, as AI systems increasingly handle customer interactions autonomously.
Growth and Challenges in AI Applications
Traditional business intelligence and analytics platforms now face pressure as advancements in natural language processing and real-time insights begin to replace static data dashboards. Additionally, compliance software is emerging as a significant growth area for AI, particularly as regulatory complexities increase worldwide.
In the realm of infrastructure software as a service (SaaS), AI-focused data management tools are becoming essential. Enterprises are grappling with challenges related to data quality and governance, which are critical for deploying large-scale AI models. PitchBook projects that the infrastructure SaaS market will more than double, increasing from $69.2 billion in 2025 to $155.6 billion by 2030.
AI is also transforming information technology operations management. Companies are shifting towards predictive and self-healing infrastructure to address the complexities of multicloud environments and rising risks of outages.
On the cybersecurity front, AI-driven data protection and encryption solutions are anticipated to grow significantly, from $14 billion to $32.3 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the need for enterprises to safeguard their AI models against adversarial threats and data theft. Nonetheless, PitchBook cautions that startup companies focused on AI security may face challenges as established application and cloud security platforms integrate AI protection features.
Strategic Importance of AI in Defense and Supply Chains
The report also underscores the strategic role of AI in defense technology, particularly concerning autonomous maritime systems. These systems are crucial for securing undersea cables, protecting energy infrastructure, and modernizing naval power. Traditional drone systems and radar technologies are increasingly at risk of being displaced by more advanced AI systems.
In the supply chain sector, AI technologies are becoming essential as geopolitical instability and regulatory requirements push companies to rethink their logistics planning and resilience. AI-powered supply chain platforms are emerging as critical systems, with projections indicating that the market for warehouse robotics and AI-driven automation will grow from $6.5 billion to $13.4 billion by 2030. Companies that do not integrate autonomy into their logistics operations may face long-term disruption.
PitchBook also anticipates substantial growth in foundation models and AI-driven commerce infrastructure, projecting that the market for foundation models will rise from $25.3 billion to $136.2 billion by 2030. As organizations increasingly adopt these AI platforms as essential computing utilities, the competitive landscape will shift.
In conclusion, the report asserts that the defining winners in the AI era will be companies that cultivate strong network effects, safeguard unique data, integrate deeply into enterprise workflows, and tackle complex regulatory challenges. Conversely, legacy platforms in analytics, resource planning, trucking, defense hardware, and IT operations must adapt swiftly to avoid accelerated displacement in the evolving AI landscape.