European Manufacturing Technology Spending Has Increased
New research projects substantial growth in technology investment alongside a shifting workforce by 2030.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Forrester has released its Global Manufacturing Forecast, projecting that EU technology spending will grow to $129.2 billion by 2030. The report highlights an intensifying push toward automation, robotics, and industrial AI across the region.
Why it matters
Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging advanced technology to mitigate persistent challenges, including high energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and significant workforce shortages.
Global industrial AI software spending is set to climb to $3.25 billion by 2030, rising from $908 million in 2024. Meanwhile, the EU manufacturing workforce is projected to shrink from 30.1 million in 2024 to 29.5 million by 2030.
The players
Forrester
Forrester is a prominent global research and advisory firm that provides data-driven insights into technology and market trends.
The details
European manufacturers are actively integrating operational data platforms and industrial robotics to connect IT and operational technology environments. In 2024, Western Europe reached a density of 267 industrial robots per 10,000 employees as part of this broader automation strategy.
Timeline
In 2024, Western Europe reached a density of 267 industrial robots per 10,000 employees.
The forecast period for the global manufacturing report covers 2025 to 2030.
By 2030, EU manufacturing technology spending is expected to reach $129.2 billion.
Market Landscape
This forecast reflects a broader shift in the global industrial sector where automation is viewed as an essential response to demographic and energy-related pressures. It positions European firms to compete more effectively by replacing manual capacity with high-tech software and hardware integrations.
Consumers may experience shifts in product availability and pricing as manufacturers restructure their operations to support automated production lines. The trend suggests that businesses will increasingly rely on data-heavy infrastructure, potentially altering long-term customer service delivery models.
The takeaway
The move toward industrial AI and robotics signals that human capital is being supplanted by digital intelligence to solve structural economic issues. Industry leaders should monitor these spending shifts closely to understand the future of production efficiency and workforce requirements.
Further reading
For more on industry modernization, visit the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Manufacturing & Logistics IT Magazine.
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Do you believe that increasing automation in manufacturing will be good for the national economy?
