Private investment in computers and software

Private investment in computers and software in Canada is set to expand 1.9% to reach $55.2 billion in 2026, continuing its path of moderate growth. More favorable interest rates set by the Bank of Canada in 2025 have helped renew capital spending. Despite headwinds from earlier inflation and semiconductor shortages, businesses have prioritized efficiency and productivity by upgrading their IT infrastructure and software, positioning technology as a core investment across sectors. Investment growth has been further buoyed by government AI initiatives that provided capital, compute access and infrastructure support for technology-driven enterprises.

From 2021 to 2026, investment growth in computers and software grew at an annualized rate of 3.6%. The post-pandemic switch to remote work prompted strong technology spend, leading to growth rates of 10.3% and 8.2% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, supply chain pressures, including a widespread semiconductor shortage, led to limited inventory. This placed pressure on hardware sales, leading to a 1.2% decline in investment in 2023.

Later in the period, government programs supporting AI adoption and innovation became increasingly important, enabling businesses to access high-performance computing and modernize their software capabilities. By 2024 and 2025, stabilizing inflation and an accommodating interest rate environment have reignited investment, leading to growth rates of 3.9% and 5.3%.

Persistent digitization, rising service-sector output and active policy support for innovation have shaped the investment landscape. The underlying expansion of non-energy exports and the expansion of the Canadian tech sector strengthened the role of computers and software as essential contributors to productivity and competitiveness. As a result, technology investment has remained more resilient than other forms of capital spending through periods of volatility.