Predictions 2026 - The Year of Embedded Intelligence

Fujitsu / December 19, 2025

AI Digital Shifts Data and Security High-performance Computing Digital Transformation

The year 2025 was marked by a fragile balance of economic disruption, geopolitical insecurity, and an unprecedented surge in artificial intelligence (AI) investment. In 2026, successful enterprises will transition from reactively observing disruption to proactively shaping their business models and operations for a more diverse multipolar world. They will take advantage of emerging technology trends to upgrade platforms and create more resilient supply chains, upskill workforces, add intelligence to their products and services, and operate in more localized environments that are, crucially, closer to customers.

Ten technology opportunities stand out in 2026. The article explains each and shows how Fujitsu is engaged.

Preparing for a Multi-polar World
Global Shifts Materializing in 2026
Technology Potentials
Managing a Multi-polar World
1. Ten Technology Opportunities in 2026
2. Small AI Models and AI Agent Development
3. Flattening organizational structures
4. Physical AI & AI Agents at the Edge
5. Cybersecurity and National Security Regulation
6. Data Sovereignty and Federated Clouds
7. Dual Use of Defense Technologies
8. High Performance and Quantum Computing
9. The New ESG (Energy, Security, Growth)
10. Enterprise Blockchain Revival
New Silver Economy and the Future of Work
Early Movers Win by Employing Technology for a Multi-polar World

Preparing for a Multi-polar World

The year 2025 saw the emergence of a far more multi-polar world with less cooperation and a stronger focus on national interests and regional competition. The result has been an increase in economic disruption and geopolitical insecurity with strong headwinds for enterprise strategy and planning. At the same time, an unprecedented boom in AI infrastructure investment was driven by optimism about the technology’s potential. However, it left enterprises wondering about the best next steps for their technology strategies.

2025 – Geo-Economic Disruption & Agentic AI Boom

Map or chart illustrating geo-economic disruption and the surge in agentic AI investment in 2025, based on stock valuation growth data.

Map: www.econovis.net; Data: Google Finance, Stock Valuation Growth since Oct 23. 2020

Loading component...

Global Shifts Materializing in 2026

In 2026, enterprises will need to shift from reactively observing to proactively addressing challenges and opportunities. They will take advantage of emerging technology trends to upgrade platforms and create more resilient supply chains, upskill workforces, add intelligence to their products and services, and operate in more localized environments that are, crucially, closer to customers.

Despite daunting economic challenges, the necessary transformation cannot be deferred. In an increasingly inward-looking US, new infrastructures and supply chains require a local focus and highly competitive technology. In defensive Europe, new ecosystems must support complex infrastructure investments and more sovereign technology platforms. In Asia, the restructuring and diversification of supply chains away from China, along with the growing competition in environmental technology, present both challenges and opportunities.

2026 – Technology Competition, Sovereignty, Localization

Map highlighting global trends in technology competition, national sovereignty, and localization for 2026.

Map Source: www.econovis.net

Loading component...

Technology Potentials

Technological optimism about a revolution in the way we work, trade, and manage is driving unprecedented investment in AI infrastructure and model development. Since opportunities will take years to materialize, concerns about a short-term "bubble" are justified, but they should not prevent us from preparing for their potential. AI Agents are evolving rapidly, and successful enterprises seize the opportunity to modernize and re-design for an AI-enabled world that is more complex, localized, and technology-driven.

In 2026, the development of Agentic AI, focusing on goal-oriented AI solutions will gain further pace and start to have an impact. Instead of reactive chatbots and assistants for support on simple tasks, AI Agents starting to help with process solutions. While their main impact will come when many different agents start to cooperate and work together, the opportunity will lead enterprises to get ready by transforming their processes and rethink their business design for systems that start to think, learn and lead.

Loading component...

2026 – Agentic AI Boom Opportunities

Diagram showing the evolution from a '2025 Reactive' approach to a '2026 Pro-Active' approach using Agentic AI.

Loading component...

Managing a Multi-polar World

In 2026, successful enterprises will transition from reactively observing disruption to proactively shaping their business models and operations for a more diverse multipolar world. They will take advantage of emerging technology trends to upgrade platforms and create more resilient supply chains, upskill workforces, add intelligence to their products and services, and operate in more localized environments that are, crucially, closer to customers.

Loading component...

2026 – From Disruption to New Systems Integration

Infographic showing a world map at the top, colored to indicate countries whose largest trading partner is either the US (blue) or China (red).

Map Source: www.econovis.net

Loading component...

Ten Technology Opportunities in 2026

The following technology trends stand out to help enterprises capitalizing on the Agentic AI boom and prepare for a more complex geo-economic environment in 2026. The trends range from next steps in AI model development, smarter security and supply chains, to a new approach for work and growth in rapidly ageing societies.

Loading component...

2026 – Technology Impact Predictions

An abstract diagram illustrating the convergence of two distinct paths, symbolized by red/purple gradient arrows merging into two upward-pointing blue arrows, reflecting the dynamic forces and trends leading to the ten technology opportunities discussed in the document.

Loading component...

Small AI Models and AI Agent Development

Small AI models and specialized AI Agent development stand out in their ability to support companies with process transformation and planning. As production and services move closer to customers in various regions, flexible automation in smaller-scale operations becomes crucial. Large, sprawling AI models serve as blueprints for smaller, lightweight, and domain-specific AI "student" models. In many cases, these models will outperform their "teachers" in specific tasks.

At Fujitsu, its Takane technology successfully develops such models that run on the "edge", offering high energy efficiency and accuracy.

Loading component...

Small AI Models and AI Agent Development

Infographic illustrating 'Specialized AI Distillation,' showing how a large language model (111B LLM, specifically 'Takane') is distilled to create smaller, specialized AI models containing only the essential knowledge for specific tasks, like predicting business negotiation outcomes.

Loading component...

See: TAKANE Enterprise LLM with Generative AI Reconstruction

Flattening organizational structures

Further flattening organizational structures is vital for effectively localizing operations and boosting the efficiency of a hybrid workforce that operates both online and offline, especially in preparation for AI integration. We will see greater adoption of AI assistants and the development of AI agents to handle workplace processes and communication on major platforms. Successful implementation depends on empowering employees in their operational roles and accurately valuing an increasingly diverse, AI-enabled workforce beyond simply tracking hours.

Fujitsu co-designs AI-driven workplace solutions for digital colleagues and copilots, helping to improve decision-making and streamline multi-step employee tasks. Together with Seven-Eleven, Japan’s leading convenience store chain, it has developed a training platform that helps to understand and execute convenience store operations, enables real-time tracking of acquired skills, and accelerates employee readiness. The solution is expected to reach over 400,000 employees in 22,000 stores.

Loading component...

Seven-Eleven Store Management Training Platform

Screenshot or diagram of the training platform developed by Fujitsu for Seven-Eleven store management.

Loading component...

See: Fujitsu develops employee training platform for Seven-Eleven Japan

Physical AI & AI Agents at the Edge

Physical AI for “real” world action is seeing a breakthrough with autonomous taxis and attention-grabbing humanoid robots. However, for enterprises, the main impact comes from specialized robots that can sense, act, and become trained by example for dynamic environments of factory floors, warehouses, restaurants and hospitals. Physical AI is further leveraged by the development of agentic AI and small AI models that can work "at the edge" in robotics and automation. Training otherwise specialized robots by example in different environments now vastly expands their usability in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare at the local level.

Fujitsu is a leader in industrial AI capabilities and has integrated them with generative AI potentials on its Kozuchi AI platform. It has developed Social Digital Twin^TM models for human systems interaction, and will demonstrate World Models at the CES 2026, which can recognize human intention and anticipate needs for robotic real world interaction.

Loading component...

Physical AI and World Models

Illustration or photo demonstrating physical AI in action, potentially involving robotics, world models, and cooperative multi-robot operation.

Loading component...

See: Imagined Spaces: Powering Cooperative Multi-Robot Operation

Cybersecurity and National Security Regulation

Cybersecurity becomes even more important as AI analytics capable of detecting and exploiting vulnerabilities are increasingly used in local cyberattacks. The attention that recent high-profile ransomware attacks have gained when they disrupted production and became national security concerns has been an important wakeup call (Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, Asahi Beer, …). As enterprises recognize this new level of vulnerability, governments will advocate for proactive defense measures and stricter regulations. A strong focus on proactive AI-driven trust and digital sovereignty technologies will help companies not only to remain safe, but also to prepare for a new regulatory environment.

Fujitsu has developed multi-AI agent security technologies with its partners and cooperates with governments to solve enterprise and national security challenges.

Loading component...

Multi-AI Agent Security Technologies

Loading component...

See: Multi-AI agent security technology to protect against vulnerabilities and new threats

Data Sovereignty and Federated Clouds

Data sovereignty and federated clouds will spur the development of alternatives to public clouds and US hyperscaler services. Although international dataspace projects involving public and private sectors, such as Gaia-X and Catena-X in the European Union (EU) and Data-EX and Ouranos in Japan, have progressed slowly so far, they are starting to have an impact. The new urgency to share a wider range of data across supply chains in hybrid cloud environments, and government investment in national security is leading to a wave of experimentation — both in Europe, as it pursues data sovereignty, and in Asia, where supply chains are diversifying and must integrate China-related and non-China-related data layers.

Fujitsu plays a key role in supporting initiatives across Europe and Asia and supports its partners with digital trust technologies.

Loading component...

Data Sovereignty and Federated Clouds

Infographic or diagram illustrating concepts of data sovereignty and federated cloud architectures, possibly referencing international data spaces.

Loading component...

Source: Data spaces - International Data Spaces

Dual Use of Defense Technologies

Reinforcing national defense has become crucial for all major countries. As a result, barriers to using private technology for military purposes have been lowered, and smart technologies, ranging from autonomous drones to AI vision analytics, are transforming defense. Meanwhile, significant public investment is creating opportunities in defense research and development, including cybersecurity, earth intelligence (geospatial analytics), robotics, and autonomous systems. Dual use of national security (defense) technologies opens new markets.

Fujitsu is leveraging technology support for national security agencies while working on the next levels of secure communication, analytics, and quantum simulations.

Loading component...

Digital Defense and Dual Use Technologies

Loading component...

For Fujitsu Strategies see: Fujitsu | DSEI UK 2025

High Performance and Quantum Computing

High-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing are aligning to produce tangible results much earlier than anticipated. HPC-based error correction is incorporating more unstable physical qubits into reliable logical qubits. HPC-powered quantum simulation offers a crucial link to experimentation, with a growing range of quantum solutions for complex business challenges, including optimization and material research. At the same time AI is accelerating quantum system development and demand for complex data model solutions.

Fujitsu has created a platform for hybrid quantum computing and is developing technology that automatically optimizes workload selection for customers based on parameters such as calculation time, accuracy, and cost.

Loading component...

High Performance and Quantum Computing Alignment

Diagram illustrating the convergence and alignment of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing technologies.

Loading component...

The New ESG (Energy, Security, Growth)

As global cooperation retreated and economic costs increased, support for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles deteriorated. Consequently, energy security and efficiency strategies will play a larger role in achieving environmental and social goals. However, as investments in AI-related technology lead growth strategies, the importance of trusted technology governance will increase. At each level, new and old ESG goals must therefore converge.

Fujitsu’s platform for ESG management continuously integrates enterprise needs for efficiency, security, and impact into social and governance strategies.

Loading component...

New ESG Goal Alignment

Infographic or diagram showing the alignment of new ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, integrating energy, security, and growth.

Loading component...

Enterprise Blockchain Revival

Enterprise blockchains are finally emerging from the "trough of disillusionment." Driven by a boom in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, and supported by major banks, enterprise payment functions can be streamlined and prepared for AI-based "machine customers." Enterprise blockchains will enable significantly lower transaction costs and payments with tokens and smart contracts, forming the foundation for process transformation and greater autonomy in AI agent transactions.

Fujitsu has consistently supported blockchain technology as part of its Track and Trust platform and is collaborating with partners to co-design solutions.

Loading component...

Boom in Stablecoins (Tether Market Capitalization, Billion USD)

Line graph showing the significant increase in Tether's market capitalization in billions of USD, sourced from CoinMarketCap.

Source: CoinMarketCap.

Loading component...

New Silver Economy and the Future of Work

The "New Silver Economy" creates new growth opportunities in challenging environments of slowing domestic economies. Rather than increasing the demand of aging consumers, the main component is AI-driven opportunities to retain and empower a more motivated workforce for longer. In Japan, seniors are already among the largest contributors to growth. To further improve productivity, AI agents are being developed to preserve the deep domain expertise of senior employees. These agents interact in natural language with continuously updated systems and augment the skills and capabilities of senior employees with on-demand tutors. Seamlessly connecting the experienced senior workforce with the shrinking number of juniors on AI-enabled communication platforms becomes vital to increasing productivity on both ends.

Fujitsu has been at the forefront of work transformation and digital productivity with its Work Life Shift initiative for years. It Is co-designing workplace solutions for AI Agent integration to improve decision-making and streamlining multi-step employee tasks and employee empowerment.

Loading component...

Non-Working-Age (Senior) Contribution to GDP Growth

Bar chart or line graph displaying the contribution of the non-working-age (senior) population to GDP growth, with data from OECD and FRED.

Source: Data from OECD, FRED.

Loading component...

Early Movers Win by Employing Technology for a Multi-polar World

In 2026, as companies face economic instability and swift technological progress, this year will be crucial for integrating intelligence into systems, organizations, and industries. The adoption of AI agents, sovereign data infrastructures, and resilient computing will determine how well companies can adjust to a more fragmented global landscape. Early movers—those creating agile, intelligent, and localized operations—will succeed despite disruptions and drive the shift toward a more balanced and interconnected digital economy.

Loading component...

Dr. Martin Schulz

Martin’s work focuses on the impact of digitalization, government policies and corporate strategies. Today, he is Fujitsu’s Chief Economist, advises governments and teaches at the Mercator School of Management. His analyses are widely quoted in international media - with regular interviews at CNBC, NHK World etc.

schulz@fujitsu.com

Predictions 2026 - The Year of Embedded Intelligence

Contents

Preparing for a Multi-polar World

2025 – Geo-Economic Disruption & Agentic AI Boom

Loading component...

Global Shifts Materializing in 2026

2026 – Technology Competition, Sovereignty, Localization

Loading component...

Technology Potentials

Loading component...

2026 – Agentic AI Boom Opportunities

Loading component...

Managing a Multi-polar World

Loading component...

2026 – From Disruption to New Systems Integration

Loading component...

Ten Technology Opportunities in 2026

Loading component...

2026 – Technology Impact Predictions

Loading component...

Small AI Models and AI Agent Development

Loading component...

Small AI Models and AI Agent Development

Loading component...

Flattening organizational structures

Loading component...

Seven-Eleven Store Management Training Platform

Loading component...

Physical AI & AI Agents at the Edge

Loading component...

Physical AI and World Models

Loading component...

Cybersecurity and National Security Regulation

Loading component...

Multi-AI Agent Security Technologies

Loading component...

Data Sovereignty and Federated Clouds

Loading component...

Data Sovereignty and Federated Clouds

Loading component...

Dual Use of Defense Technologies

Loading component...

Digital Defense and Dual Use Technologies

Loading component...

High Performance and Quantum Computing

Loading component...

High Performance and Quantum Computing Alignment

Loading component...

The New ESG (Energy, Security, Growth)

Loading component...

New ESG Goal Alignment

Loading component...

Enterprise Blockchain Revival

Loading component...

Boom in Stablecoins (Tether Market Capitalization, Billion USD)

Loading component...

New Silver Economy and the Future of Work

Loading component...

Non-Working-Age (Senior) Contribution to GDP Growth

Loading component...

Early Movers Win by Employing Technology for a Multi-polar World

Loading component...

Loading component...

Related information

Loading component...

You May Like

Loading component...

Editor's Picks

Loading component...

Loading component...

2025 – Geo-Economic Disruption & Agentic AI Boom

2026 – Technology Competition, Sovereignty, Localization

Technology Potentials

2026 – Agentic AI Boom Opportunities

Managing a Multi-polar World

2026 – From Disruption to New Systems Integration

Ten Technology Opportunities in 2026

2026 – Technology Impact Predictions

Small AI Models and AI Agent Development

Small AI Models and AI Agent Development