Mumbai : NTT DATA has released its Technology Foresight Report 2026, outlining six key trends expected to shape the future of technology innovation as businesses expand the use of digital and artificial intelligence tools.
The annual report examines how organisations are leveraging AI and advanced technologies to drive growth. It highlights a shift toward what the company describes as the “age of mass intelligence,” where businesses prioritise systems capable of learning, adapting and operating autonomously, while aligning with human oversight and long-term strategy.
The six trends identified for 2026 include:
- Human-orchestrated autonomy: Intelligent systems operating at scale while remaining guided by human intent to ensure transparency and alignment with enterprise and societal goals.
- Embodied agency and emotions: The emergence of emotionally responsive systems designed to foster trust, engagement and ethical interaction.
- Intelligence we trust: The evolution of cybersecurity into adaptive systems that protect AI integrity, transparency and ethical behaviour across interconnected ecosystems.
- Informed infrastructure: Infrastructure powered by continuous intelligence to optimise performance and manage hybrid environments spanning devices, edge and cloud.
- Sovereign Silicon Ecosystems: Growing national focus on semiconductor ecosystems to secure supply chains, protect intellectual property and maintain computing capabilities.
- From illusory efficiency to sufficiency: A shift from narrow efficiency metrics toward sustainable growth within environmental and societal limits.
Oliver Koeth, Managing Director Technology and Innovation DACH at NTT DATA, said the convergence of emotionally aware systems, sovereign computing and trusted infrastructure signals a transition toward more purposeful and resilient technology development.
