9 Data and AI Trends For 2026

 

9 Data and AI Trends For 2026

2026 Trends Header

Get expert guidance on the forces reshaping data, analytics, and AI


The data and analytics space has never been hotter. Under the pressure of rising executive expectations, emerging regulatory demands, and a rapidly evolving data ecosystem landscape, your annual outlook is brimming with opportunity—and risk.

To help you stay ahead, three of the industry’s top data and AI strategists distilled this year’s most critical trends, offering an insider’s perspective on what’s changing, why it matters, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

With their expert guidance, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify innovation hotspots—from MCP and agent orchestration to semantic layers

  • Sidestep hazards around AI regulation, literacy, interoperability, and trust

  • Lead with confidence using evidence-based strategies and real-world examples

Don’t wait for an innovation mandate or fall into a fading AI fad. Get the insights you need to build an adaptable data strategy and lead with confidence through data and analytics’ most dynamic era.

Authors

photo-plain-cindi-howson

Cindi Howson LinkedIn

Chief Data & AI Strategy
Officer

ThoughtSpot

photo-plain-jane-smith

Jane Smith LinkedIn

Field Chief Data & AI
Officer, EMEA

ThoughtSpot

photo-plain-Steffin-Harris

Steffin Harris LinkedIn

Field Chief Data & AI
Officer, North America

ThoughtSpot

Resources

Live Webinar With Host, Cindi Howson

Live Webinar With Host, Cindi Howson

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The Data Chief Podcast: Trends Episode

The Data Chief Podcast: Trends Episode

Premiers Jan. 14th
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