Enterprise leaders are stepping into 2026 amid a complex mix of economic uncertainty, cautious optimism, and intense pressure to accelerate AI and quantum computing adoption. A new report from the IBM Institute for Business Value, based on over 1,000 C-suite executives and 8,500 employees and consumers, reveals how businesses are preparing for a year of rapid technological change and shifting expectations.
Leaders Confident Despite Global Volatility
While only about a third of executives feel optimistic about the global economy, more than 80% are confident in their own organisation’s performance in the year ahead. This disconnect shows that many leaders believe they can outperform the broader market by leaning into technology, agility, and smarter decision-making, even in a turbulent environment.
Agentic AI Becomes a Strategic Priority
Agentic AI is emerging as a core strategic tool for enterprise leaders in 2026. Most executives report that AI agents are already helping their organisations, moving beyond pilot projects into real operations. For this shift to succeed, companies must ensure their data architecture supports near real-time insights, not just periodic reporting.
AI Agents Need Access to Core Systems
For agentic AI to deliver real value, it must be deeply integrated with core enterprise systems like ERP, CRM, and supply chain platforms. Leaders are now deciding which decisions can be safely delegated to AI agents, which require human review, and which must remain fully human-led, balancing efficiency with control and accountability.
Employees Embrace AI with Conditions
Employees are largely positive about AI in the workplace, seeing it as a way to reduce repetitive tasks and gain new skills. Most say the pace of technological change is sustainable and that they are confident in keeping up with new tools, provided they receive adequate support and training from their employers.
Demand for Reskilling Will Rise Sharply
Executives expect a significant re-skilling requirement across their workforce, with at least half of employees needing some form of training by the end of 2026 due to AI-driven automation. The most sought-after skills include problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, reflecting a shift toward higher-value, human-led work.
Training as a Retention Tool
Employees are increasingly willing to change employers to access better training and development opportunities. This trend turns skills development into a direct lever for reducing employee churn and building a more adaptable, future-ready workforce, making continuous learning a strategic priority for HR and business leaders alike.
Customers Demand Data Transparency
Consumer trust in how brands use AI and personal data will be a key determinant of product and service success in 2026. Customers are willing to tolerate occasional errors but not opacity; they want clear explanations of data use, visibility into AI involvement, and simple opt-in/opt-out controls in their interactions.
Transparency as a Product Feature
Organisations must treat transparency not just as a compliance issue but as a core product feature. Leaders are advised to choose AI models that support explainability and to design customer experiences that make data practices visible and understandable, helping to build and maintain trust in an AI-driven world.
Quantum Computing Moves Toward Practical Use
The report also highlights quantum computing as a growing focus for enterprise planning, with early quantum advantage expected in areas like optimisation and materials science. Leaders are urged to identify a small number of high-impact use cases, join innovation ecosystems early, and partner to share costs and accelerate progress in this emerging field.
