As we look toward 2026, the technology sector is poised for transformative growth, driven by global market dynamics, three defining mega trends, and the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s a deep dive into the key insights shaping the future of technology for professionals navigating this ever-evolving environment.
Global & U.S. Tech Market Outlook
The global technology and durables market is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2026, according to data from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and NIQ. While global growth remains static due to regional contractions, the U.S. market stands out with a forecasted revenue of $565 billion in 2026. This growth is fueled by intentional consumer spending, longer device lifespans, and record-breaking revenues in software and services, even as hardware shipments plateau. Retail revenue is expected to rise by 3.4%, reflecting a shift toward value-driven purchases and ad-supported streaming services.
This long-tail refresh cycle, following the pandemic, highlights a shift in consumer behavior: people are buying technology more intentionally, focusing on quality and longevity. Despite economic uncertainties, the U.S. tech sector demonstrates resilience, signaling a positive outlook for the years ahead. As CTA’s Brian Comiskey notes, “Innovation is occurring, and that’s what makes me bullish on the sector.”
Three Mega Trends for 2026
1. Intelligent Transformation
Intelligent transformation marks the next phase of digital evolution, driven by AI’s integration across industries. This trend builds on the foundation of digital transformation, which has pivoted enterprises to the cloud. Intelligent transformation relies on three pillars:
- Cybersecurity: Ensuring trust through encrypted, uninterrupted communication. Companies like Bitdefender and Thales are leading the charge in securing data exchanges.
- Scalability: Leveraging cloud platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure to enable elastic, global innovation.
- Simulation: Using AI to process vast data sets, simulate human decision making, and enhance collaboration.
AI is no longer just about automation; it’s becoming a horizontal trend, cutting across industries to deliver smarter personalization, enhanced operations, and faster innovation cycles. As Comiskey explains, “AI is the ultimate horizontal trend, impacting every industry vertical.”
2. Longevity
The convergence of digital health, smart home, and wellness technologies is redefining quality of life. From AI-powered symptom checkers and remote patient monitoring to wearable devices like Oura Rings and Garmin smartwatches, technology is enabling healthier, smarter living. These innovations empower individuals to proactively manage their health, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve overall well-being.
For example, Abbott’s Libre Assist pairs with glucose monitors to provide meal planning and nutritional insights, while Withings’ smart scale delivers 46 biometric data points. These tools are not just reactive but proactive, helping users take control of their health and prioritize wellness.
3. Engineering Tomorrow
This trend focuses on solving societal challenges through technology. In mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) are evolving into platforms with personalized experiences, supported by partnerships between automakers and tech companies. Sony and Honda’s collaboration exemplifies how cross-industry partnerships are accelerating innovation.
The agricultural sector is also embracing precision farming with AI-powered tools like John Deere’s “See and Spray” technology, which reduces pesticide use and improves crop yields. Meanwhile, advancements in energy storage and modular nuclear reactors are paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future. As Comiskey highlights, “Smart communities and infrastructure are key to supporting the EV adoption life cycle.”
Human & AI Insights
The interplay between humans and AI is reshaping productivity and innovation. In 2026, AI adoption will focus on augmenting human efficiency rather than replacing jobs. Key frontiers include:
- Agentic AI: Autonomous systems managing tasks like inbox triage and travel bookings.
- Vertical AI: Industry-specific models for healthcare, mobility, and more.
- Industrial AI: Enhancing manufacturing and logistics through digital twins and AI-guided processes.
- Physical AI: Embodied AI, such as humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, showcasing advanced dexterity and adaptability.
Despite fears of job displacement, Comiskey states that AI is emerging as a collaborative tool, with 63% of U.S. workers already using it to save an average of 8.7 hours per week. The focus is shifting from AI implementation to seamless integration, where AI becomes an invisible infrastructure that reduces friction and enhances user experiences. As Comiskey notes, “AI co-pilots will outperform AI replacements, creating smarter personalization and superior customer interfaces.”
Leadership Adoption
For organizations looking to capture real value from AI, leadership adoption is vital. When executives position AI as a strategic capability rather than a trend, they can shape how the entire organization thinks about and engages with these tools. In their research on AI adoption, Gallup reported in November 2025 that “employees who strongly agree their manager supports AI use are nearly nine times as likely to strongly agree that it helps them.”1
But mindset alone isn’t enough; leaders also need to drive accountability by defining outcomes, setting expectations, and regularly reviewing how teams are using AI to improve performance. Effective leaders don’t just tell their people to adopt AI—they go first. By using AI in their own work, sponsoring the creation of AI agents for real processes (such as forecasting, reporting, or customer engagement), and openly sharing those examples, they show what action looks like in practice. As the Gallup research shows, managers are instrumental in moving from adoption to action.
How Forvis Mazars Can Help
The future of technology is a story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. As global markets stabilize, mega trends like intelligent transformation, longevity, and engineering tomorrow will drive growth. At the heart of this evolution is the synergy between humans and AI, unlocking new possibilities for industries and individuals alike. For technology professionals, the challenge—and opportunity—lies in harnessing these trends to shape a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable world. As Comiskey aptly puts it, “Humans will lead, using AI and robotics to be more efficient, driving the next wave of innovation.”
Forvis Mazars has the tools to help you build an effective, bespoke AI implementation strategy that suits your needs, follows strong governance, and is built to last. For more information, reach out to a professional at Forvis Mazars today.
- 1“Manager Support Drives Employee AI Adoption,” gallup.com, November 8, 2025.