Innovating has never been only about technology, but about combining a vision of the future, adaptability and strategy to anticipate and excel. The market is experiencing scenarios of great changes and transformations that require companies not only to invest in these innovations, but above all, to know which ones to integrate effectively with the reality of the business, gaining even more scalability, maturity and competitive advantage.
In 2026, the global landscape will remain challenging: pressed costs, more conscious consumers, more volatile markets and increasingly digital competition.And it is precisely in this scenario that innovative trends become strategic pieces NOT only of survival, but to build a stronger growth base in 2027.
With that in mind, look at six of these trends that will stand out the most this year:
#1 Winter and AI bubble: the term AI Winter, which emerged in the 80s, describes periods when enthusiasm for artificial intelligence would have a great fall, usually seen after a cycle of high expectations 5 something that we will notice in 2026. This is because, according to a recent study by Gartner, only 6% of CFOs noticed an increase in profit or revenue from this technology. AI is not generating the return that was so much expected, which can lead to the closing of doors of many companies and to a serious cascade effect in economic terms for the entire market.
#2 Geopolitical changes: the race for AI supremacy is reconfiguring the global market, whose agreements and changes have been making new reference powers emerge in this technology, such as China, which is already gaining strong visibility in its innovations in quantum computing, 6G, and other services structured with this tool. Any change in this competition directly impacts logistics and the provision of technological solutions to the world.
#3 Quantum computing: many projects in this direction are already being developed in China, and should gain strength this year in the provision of services guided by this technology. It will allow a greater speed in computer simulations, streamlining decision making and development of actions that, before, could take months or years. According to estimates of a survey of InvestingPro, this market should reach a revenue of US$ 2 billion in 2026, an extremely rich area to be explored.
#4 Data, trust and governance: increasingly, because of not only AI, but also IB and the intense technological transformations, it is essential to have confidence in the data that is analyzed as a basis for decision-making. After all, without real and reliable information, the risks of strategies without return are high. It is here that governance is present, crucial to ensure this security, even more when supported by international methodologies that reinforce measures in this direction, such as ISO 27001 mitigating risks of fraud and leaks that harm operations.
#5 Work transformation: technology will never replace human labor. However, it is a fact that as we have more and more digital advances, the entire market will transform, creating positions and vacancies immersed in this universe DO at the same time that others may cease to exist over time. These changes require companies to invest in the training of their teams, providing the necessary knowledge to enjoy the resources and benefits that these solutions can offer.
#6 Silver economy: many difficulties have been reported in professional environments in dealing with younger generations, little patients to the corporate world. This has caused many managers are hiring more senior talent, giving space to re-enter the market and bring all their baggage and experience to modern times (which certainly also greatly favors the plurality of views and thoughts in order to transform ideas into value generation.
The year 2026 will be marked by great difficulties and inflections, even more in the face of global events such as the World Cup, geopolitical conflicts and national elections. At the same time, it can be a period of important transformations to the market, which will require the same movement of adaptation by companies. After all, only those who know how to adapt, with strategy, in this intense dynamism, will be able to reap ripe fruits in 2027.
Alexandre Pierro he holds a master's degree in innovation management and engineering, mechanical engineer, bachelor's degree in physics and management specialist from PALAS, a pioneering consultancy in the implementation of ISO innovation in Latin America.
