Five AI trends will shape IT in 2026 Our report unpacks the macro trends shaping AI and ties each one back to IT strategy, governance, and transformation.
Foundational AI principles will rewrite organizational DNA Enterprises will develop their own guiding AI principles to address rising AI risk and align their AI strategy around core organizational values.
From copilots to vibe coding: AI will continue to reinvent IT New categories of enterprise AI tools will emerge, propelling many organizations toward a crucial decision: AI platform or best-of-breed AI tools?
Agentic AI will come of age and power the exponential enterprise Although current adoption of agentic AI is low, it will grow faster than generative AI, powering exponential growth and change across organizations while bringing new opportunities and risks.
Risk management will be the price of admission for AI The potential risks of new AI applications will drive organizations to adopt AI risk management programs, even in jurisdictions with no regulatory requirement. 5. AI will hang in the balance between freedom and control AI sovereignty will become top of mind for regulators, but legislative policies will develop in a disjointed fashion around the world.
Five AI Trends That Will Shape IT in 2026
As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, several macro trends are expected to emerge by 2026, influencing IT strategies, governance, and transformation processes. Here’s a closer look at these transformative trends:
- Foundational AI Principles Will Rewrite Organizational DNA
Enterprises will increasingly recognize the need for strong ethical frameworks and governance around AI. By developing their own guiding AI principles, organizations will address escalating risks associated with AI deployment. This focus on aligning AI strategy with core corporate values will ultimately redefine the organizational culture and operational practices. - From Copilots to Vibe Coding: AI Will Continue to Reinvent IT
The advent of new categories of enterprise AI tools, such as enhanced AI copilots and “vibe coding” solutions, will challenge businesses to choose between comprehensive AI platforms and specialized, best-of-breed AI tools. This decision will significantly impact workflow integration, operational efficiency, and resource allocation within IT departments. - Agentic AI Will Come of Age and Power the Exponential Enterprise
As familiarity and capabilities around agentic AI—self-directed AI systems that can make autonomous decisions—grow, adoption rates are set to surpass even those of generative AI. This shift will enable organizations to achieve exponential growth through enhanced automation and data-driven decision-making, while simultaneously introducing new complexities and risks that must be managed. - Risk Management Will Be the Price of Admission for AI
Recognizing the inherent risks of AI applications, organizations will proactively adopt risk management frameworks. This trend will persist even in regions lacking regulatory mandates, as businesses seek to safeguard their innovation endeavors and maintain public trust. Robust risk management practices will become critical components of a successful AI strategy. - AI Will Hang in the Balance Between Freedom and Control
As regulators grapple with the implications of AI, the concept of AI sovereignty—control over AI technologies and their governance—will gain prominence. However, the development of legislative policies will likely be inconsistent across different jurisdictions. Organizations will need to navigate this complex regulatory environment, balancing innovation with compliance and ethical considerations.
Each of these trends carries significant implications for IT leaders and organizations as they strategize for the future. Embracing these realities will not only improve organizational resilience but also unlock new opportunities for growth and transformation.
