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AI is on a collision course with humanity. Academics are warning to exercise control. Silicon Valley leaders are talking of a potential bubble bursting, and irrationality in the face of this meteoric zeitgeist. No longer experimental, AI to many is viewed as a strategic force reshaping industries and redefining competitive advantage. As adoption accelerates, the next wave of AI innovation will be measured not only by technical breakthroughs, but also by its ability to deliver impact across various sectors and industries. 

The applications are vast. Intelligent systems are fast becoming the backbone of the energy transition, with smart grids predicting demand. In the financial world AI is providing critical solutions for fraud detection and credit scoring. Supply chains can now be optimised with live stock levels and demand trend forecasts. As geopolitical tensions rise, AI for cyber security has become intrinsic in monitoring threat levels and predicting attacks. 

Yet transformation isn’t purely technical, it’s ethical. Data governance, transparency, and fairness will be critical as regulation tightens. Cyber resilience is now a board-level priority. With the Cyber Resilience Act and quantum computing on the horizon, securing AI models and data pipelines will be as vital as deploying them. 

Technology alone won’t deliver success. Humans will. Embedding AI into workflows demands agile change management, cultural readiness, and strong leadership. Organisations that thrive will invest in secure, ethical, and sustainable AI strategies that align innovation with purpose and performance. Here at Talan, we believe that people will play a critical role in successful digital transformation. This is where Positive Innovation ensures that what we deliver is a force for good. For man and the machines. 

This year’s Predicts report offers insights into AI’s evolving role, practical lessons from the front line, and a forward-looking view of what’s next: essential guidance for leaders navigating the most transformative technology of our time.

Register Now for Predicts 2026 - Our annual trends report launches January 2026