This report highlights the trends in data, AI, and analytics to watch for in 2026, based on a survey of data and technology enterprise leaders. Large enterprises have invested heavily in modernizing analytics and preparing for AI at scale. Yet despite this sizeable financial outlay, fragmentation is rampant and the execution gap is wide. Leaders understand that the path forward must include semantic consistency, governed AI, and portable data foundations. 

To better understand what’s working — and what’s not — we surveyed 100 senior data and technology leaders across global enterprises in financial services, retail, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. This report captures key findings from the survey that will help you navigate 2026, including:

• 99% of leaders struggle with defining consistent business metrics across tools and departments.
• Enterprises are optimistic about AI, yet 87% demand greater visibility into how AI uses data.
• Nearly 80% of data teams spend more than half their time preparing data rather than generating insights.