IBM(US:IBM) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-15 02:59Core Insights - The article outlines five key business trends for 2026, emphasizing the need for companies to embrace AI as a core driver for transformation and competitive advantage in an uncertain environment [1][6]. Group 1: Embracing Uncertainty - Companies should actively embrace uncertainty and turn it into a strategic asset, with 74% of executives believing that economic and geopolitical fluctuations will create new business opportunities [1][33]. - Real-time operational capabilities are deemed critical for maintaining competitive advantage, with 90% of executives stating that a lack of such capabilities will hinder success [1][30]. - 84% of executives believe that AI agents can facilitate quicker decision-making and resource reallocation, with 70% planning to enable AI agents to independently execute tasks by the end of 2026 [1][36]. Group 2: Employee Expectations of AI - Employee acceptance of AI is on the rise, with acceptance rates being twice as high as resistance across all age groups, and 77% of employees comfortable with the current pace of technological updates [2][41]. - 61% of employees feel that AI takes over monotonous tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value work, and 48% are willing to accept AI management [2][45]. - There is a strong demand for skill enhancement, with 56% of employees willing to change jobs for better training opportunities, and 42% willing to accept a pay cut for quality training [2][45]. Group 3: Customer Accountability for AI - 95% of executives believe that consumer trust in AI products will determine the success of new offerings, with 89% of consumers wanting to be informed about AI interactions [3][47]. - Transparency is a core demand, as 80% of consumers would significantly reduce their trust if brands conceal AI usage, and two-thirds would switch brands in such cases [3][52]. - Consumers are tolerant of AI imperfections but demand transparency in data usage and the right to delete their data [3][52]. Group 4: Local Resilience in Globalization - 93% of executives assert that AI sovereignty must be included in 2026 strategies, with 73% recognizing the importance of data physical location due to reliance on AI [4][49]. - 50% of executives express concern over excessive dependence on specific regional computing resources, and 75% of chip procurement companies view supplier concentration as a significant challenge [4][49]. - Companies need to build local AI capabilities across the entire chain, from data centers to model training, while ensuring seamless cross-regional switching capabilities [4][49]. Group 5: Collaborative Advantage for Quantum Computing - Quantum advantage is expected to be realized by the end of 2026, but it requires cross-organizational resource integration, as no single entity can bear the costs alone [5][50]. - Organizations engaged in quantum initiatives are three times more likely to participate in multiple ecosystems, with 89% of executives believing that ecosystem partners can buffer business impacts [5][50]. - Collaborative ecosystems provide multiple benefits, with 79% of executives stating that they accelerate technology adoption and 86% indicating that ecosystem data can enhance AI capabilities [5][50].