Global Corporate Survey 2026: Quality Management Budgets, Priorities And Tech Preferences

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Executive Summary

This report analyses data from the 2026 Verdantix global corporate survey on quality management, to provide executives with benchmarks on budgets, investment priorities and technology preferences relative to their peers. The report also supports strategic decision-making and business planning for technology vendors and service providers in the quality management market. The 2026 survey covers 15 major economies and seven industries with stringent quality regulations. To compile the survey, Verdantix conducted telephone and video interviews in May and June 2026 with 127 senior decision-makers responsible for enterprise-wide quality management strategies and initiatives.
Summary for decision-makers
Quality functions have demonstrated steady growth in digital maturity and are aligning with evolving operational priorities
Annual global survey features 127 quality management executives across seven industries
Quality functions are expanding their strategic importance and influence on decision-making
Expanding role of the quality function drives convergence with sustainability
Technology priorities are maturing from aspiration to implementation, with firms leveraging commercial QMS solutions
Technology priorities vary across industries, reflecting distinct operating models
Quality leaders push forward on AI, despite a complex adoption path
Figure 1. Quality management respondents: revenue categorization
Figure 2. Quality management respondents: industry breakdown
Figure 3. Quality management respondents: regional breakdown
Figure 4. Quality management budget plans for 2027
Figure 5. Key considerations for the business case for technology investment
Figure 6. Operational priorities over the next two years
Figure 7. Integration of ESG priorities into quality management
Figure 8. Influence of the quality management function on business processes
Figure 9. Progress towards digital transformation amongst quality management functions
Figure 10. Technology goal priorities of the quality management function over the next two years
Figure 11. QMS software deployment across processes in 2027
Figure 12. Barriers to the successful adoption of AI for quality management
Figure 13. Adoption of quality management AI use cases over the next two years

About the Authors

Katia Makshanova

Katia Makshanova

Senior Analyst

Katia is a Senior Analyst at Verdantix, specializing in EHSQ software and digital strategy. She helps corporate leaders and technology vendors navigate the evolving software l...

View Profile
Nathan Goldstein

Nathan Goldstein

Senior Manager

Nathan is a Senior Manager at Verdantix, specializing in EHS software and the convergence of sustainability, EHS and operational risk. He leads research that helps corporate d...

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