As we step into the unknown territory of 2026, it's essential to recognize that progress is a double-edged sword. Breakthroughs solve yesterday's problems but create new ones we don't yet understand. Forward-thinking leaders are no longer seeking stable ground; instead, they're looking for cracks in existing markets where new openings will emerge.
To find out what lies ahead, the IBM Institute for Business Value partnered with Phronesis to survey over 1,000 C-suite executives and 8,500 global consumers about their economic outlook, AI-driven business models, and strategies for success. The findings revealed a sense of enthusiasm about digital transformation and the AI moment.
Uncertainty Will Be Your Greatest Asset
In this era of uncertainty, it's crucial to recognize that 74% of executives believe economic and geopolitical volatility will create new business opportunities in 2026. To capitalize on these openings, organizations must develop an appetite for ambiguity. This means embracing the unknown and being willing to pivot as needed.
Employees Will Want More AI
Employees are also optimistic about AI, with at least twice as many workers across age groups expressing a desire to use more AI-powered tools in 2026. For many employees, AI provides an escape hatch from monotony, allowing them to focus on high-value work.
Customers Will Hold Your AI Accountable
As consumers become increasingly comfortable with AI, they'll demand transparency and control over how their data is used. To succeed, organizations must provide easy-to-understand explanations of AI's involvement, allow customers to remove their data, and offer details on how AI applications will improve their experience.
Global AI Resilience Will Require a Local Safety Net
To ensure business continuity in 2026, organizations must prioritize AI sovereignty—the ability to control and govern AI systems, data, and infrastructure at all times. Transparency and trust remain essential for AI resilience, as both regulators and consumers demand accountability from AI agents.
Quantum Advantage Will Demand Strength in Numbers
As quantum advantage emerges by the end of 2026, it's crucial to recognize that scale is key. Quantum workloads require resources no single organization can realistically maintain alone. Instead, organizations must collaborate to develop deeper pools of expertise and richer datasets.
By embracing uncertainty, empowering employees with AI, prioritizing customer trust, building global AI resilience, and fostering quantum collaboration, organizations can position themselves for success in 2026.