To get a clear overview on the challenges and opportunities ahead, BDO Global created a report on the seven tech industry predictions for 2026. From agentic AI over advanced robotics and alternative connectivity solutions, these trends will change how businesses work and compete.
What are the tech trends for 2026?
The report highlights several impactful emerging trends that will shape the digital landscape of our economy this year, here are just a few to focus on:
- Agentic AI & AI-powered networks
Next-generation networks will use agentic AI to find problems, fix them, redirect traffic, and adjust bandwidth. Companies could cut incident downtime from hours to just seconds. But to make this work, you’ll need strong AI governance with proper monitoring, testing, and audit tools in place.
- Smart glasses - Wearable tech beyond smartwatches
Wearable technology will take off in 2026. Smart glasses will offer hands-free computing and augmented reality that might even replace mobile phones. Tech will blend into clothing too, with fitness gear tracking your heart rate, blood pressure, and other health data throughout the day. These smart clothes will sync with your glasses and watches, transforming healthcare monitoring and personal wellness.
- The 30% rule: reshaping how we work with AI
BDO’s report shows that 70% of tasks in any process are routine and perfect for automation, whilst 30% need human judgement. In 2026, organisations will speed up this shift. AI will handle repetitive work, freeing people to focus on customers and strategic thinking. Companies will prioritise roles in sales, innovation, and advisory. Areas where human creativity and collaboration make the real difference.
- AI tackles its own energy challenge
AI needs a lot of power, but in 2026, AI will also help solve this problem. Smart grid systems will predict energy needs, balance loads, and cut waste. Data centres will use AI to schedule non-urgent work for times when renewable energy is most available. This marks a turning point where AI becomes part of the solution to its own sustainability issues.
- Robotics enter everyday life
Robots will move beyond factories into daily life. Delivery robots and self-driving vehicles will become normal sights. AI-powered service robots will show up in hotels, shops, and offices. Thanks to better computing technology, these robots will navigate cities and change how we deliver goods and services.
BDO’s commitment to AI transformation
At BDO, we take a human-centric approach to AI. Recently, BDO Belgium and BDO France have jointly invested in Superlinear, a fast-growing European AI scale-up that develops enterprise-wide, explainable AI systems for large and complex organisations.
This partnership brings together Superlinear’s technological excellence with BDO’s advisory strength and sector expertise, enabling us to support companies at every stage of their AI journey. Learn more about our partnership with Superlinear.
