Budget season used to start with a wish list. This year it starts with a question from the CFO. What did last year's spend return?

Forrester expects enterprises to push a quarter of their planned AI spend into 2027 as leadership asks for proof. IR teams feel the same pressure. Many added tools to cover a growing role, and now leadership wants to see that each one earned its place.

The edge in 2027 belongs to IR teams that can show what their spend returned. They tie every line to an investor outcome. This playbook shows where forward-looking teams are putting their dollars and how they defend the plan in the room.

The shift: proof before scale

Proof-first budgeting gives every investment a clear job and a clear window to do it. A new AI pilot gets 90 days to show a measurable result. Governance gets funded as infrastructure. Each line connects to something an investor or a board member will notice.

That changes the budget conversation. Leadership sees what each dollar does, and you walk in with answers ready.

This shift starts with the data and tools your team already has.

What you'll take away: