The Age of AI: From Experimentation to Execution

Artificial Intelligence Trends for 2026: From Experimentation to Execution

Over the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has been a hot topic in boardrooms and investment strategies. Many companies have dabbled in new AI capabilities, but as we head into 2026, there is a noticeable shift towards implementing AI solutions.

The Future of the AI Bubble

Concerns about the potential ‘AI Bubble bursting’ due to inflated valuations in the stock market are expected to persist in the upcoming year. Bruce Martin, CEO of Tax Systems, believes that this could lead to a positive outcome by helping businesses differentiate between valuable AI applications and unnecessary distractions. Embracing AI thoughtfully and simplifying operations will be key to success.

According to Terry Storrar, Managing Director at Leaseweb UK, the AI landscape is evolving from initial hype to practical growth, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and customer engagement through initiatives like applied machine learning.

As we move forward, Susan Odle, CEO of StorMagic, emphasizes the importance of strategic AI adoption and effective communication with customers and partners to navigate the changing landscape successfully.

Buyers are now more discerning, as Jay Hack, VP & General Manager at eMaint, notes that proven results are now the priority over mere potential. Businesses must demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI rather than just discussing its possibilities.

Scaling Intelligence in Various Industries

For supply chains and manufacturers, AI is transitioning from pilot projects to full-scale deployment. Simon Bowes, European Corporate Vice-President for Manufacturing Industry Strategy at Blue Yonder, highlights the shift towards using AI to enhance performance and resilience in supply chain operations.

Nicola Kinsella, Chief Strategy Officer at Fluent Commerce, emphasizes the role of agentic AI in empowering retailers to monitor and respond to factors that impact operations swiftly, ensuring seamless customer experiences.

Continued Focus on Data Storage

As AI usage continues to rise, the need for efficient data storage solutions remains critical. Carlos Sandoval Castro, IBM Worldwide Tape Offering Manager, advocates for a tiered approach to data storage, integrating tape and other cost-effective media for deep archiving to manage the growing volume of unstructured data.

The Security Challenge

In the realm of cybersecurity, Martin Gittins, Area Vice President for North Europe at Commvault, stresses the importance of integrating security, identity, and recovery efforts to address the evolving threats in AI-driven environments. Resilience operations (ResOps) will play a crucial role in redefining cybersecurity strategies in 2026.

Mark Skelton, CTO at Node4, warns about the security risks posed by the rapid development of AI technology and the need for robust governance measures to protect against cyber threats.

Laurie Mercer, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering at HackerOne, predicts a surge in AI-based security tools adoption by enterprise teams to combat evolving cyber threats effectively.

The Role of Humans in the AI Era

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday workflows, Charis Thomas, Chief Product Officer at Aqilla, emphasizes the importance of developing a new level of tech literacy to interact with AI effectively. The ability to use AI thoughtfully and critically will be a crucial skill in the coming years.

Chris Lloyd, Chief Solutions and Technology Officer at Syspro, highlights the significance of data quality in AI adoption and the role of executive trust in driving successful AI implementation.

As we head into 2026, industry leaders stress the need for credibility, control, and tangible outcomes in the next phase of AI development, moving beyond hype towards practical application.