8 Technology Predictions For 2026: What CTOs Should Do
CTOs (Chief technology officers) are entering a critical year for technology strategy, with AI, automation, and security shaping the landscape for 2026. Dimitar Dimitrov, founder and Managing Partner at Accedia, shares an article on Forbes that outlines actionable insights for technology leaders looking to turn experimentation into measurable impact.
Key trends include:
- Slower developer hiring & upskilling focus – Demand for AI-literate engineers will outpace supply, forcing companies to invest in internal training and hybrid teams rather than rely solely on new hires.
- Fixing underperforming AI – CEOs will look to CTOs to stabilize pilots and agents that fail on accuracy or adoption, emphasizing data cleanup, governance, and monitoring outputs.
- AI-native platforms & domain-specific models – Smaller, AI-augmented teams can achieve more, but must embed security, compliance, and review. Domain-specific models will outperform general-purpose AI in regulated or high-precision workflows.
- Composable AI agents & orchestration – Small, task-focused agents with clear inputs, outputs, and escalation paths will dominate. Orchestrating multiple agents across workflows unlocks substantial efficiency and automation value.
- ROI pressure & quantum readiness – Boards demand proof of impact, with some AI budgets expected to slip into 2027 if value isn’t clear. Meanwhile, quantum computing risks require early planning for long-lived, sensitive data.
Dimitrov stresses that 2026 isn’t about chasing every new tool—it’s about disciplined execution. CTOs should prioritize measurable business outcomes, scalable AI orchestration, talent readiness, and long-term security, ensuring AI and automation deliver real, sustainable impact.
