Outlook 2026: Top 5 Data and AI Trends Shaping Enterprise Strategy

• Enterprises are shifting towards AI-native operating models, embedding AI into core business processes like Sales, Marketing, and IT Service Management for efficiency and accuracy.
• The rise of AI-Agents, autonomous goal-driven "digital workers," will automate complex, multi-step processes and orchestrate workflows with minimal human intervention.
• Generative AI copilots will become deeply embedded across enterprise workflows, augmenting human capabilities in tasks like drafting documents, generating code, and data analysis.
• Organizations are preparing for quantum readiness, focusing on flexible AI architectures and crypto-agile security to address future impacts of quantum computing on AI.
• Cross-functional, AI-capable teams combining domain knowledge, engineering expertise, and AI literacy are becoming crucial for successful AI transformation and real-world impact.

Why It Matters: AI will be a foundational capability in 2026, requiring AI-native operating models, talent, and infrastructure.