The information technology industry is ending its worst year ever with the worldwide IT spending expected to decline 5.2 per cent in 2009, IT research and advisory firm Gartner said.

However, this industry would return to growth in 2010 with USD 3.3 trillion of total spending, registering a 3.3 per cent increase from 2009, Gartner said in a report.

Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific IT spending, which is expected to grow five per cent to reach USD 515.6 billion in 2010, represents a fast V-shaped recovery for IT spending in the region, Gartner Research Global Head and senior Vice President Peter Sondergaard said.

"Emerging regions will resume strong growth...by 2012, the accelerated IT spending and culturally different approach to IT in Asia will directly influence product features, service structures and the overall IT industry. Silicon Valley will not be in the driver's seat anymore, he said.