mckinsey.com · 15 Sep, 14:50 · Technology briefing

McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2026

McKinsey’s Technology Trends Outlook 2026 identifies key digital shifts expected to reshape global business operations over the coming year.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

McKinsey’s Technology Trends Outlook 2026 identifies key digital shifts expected to reshape global business operations over the coming year. The report highlights emerging capabilities in artificial intelligence, generative models, and advanced automation that will drive efficiency and innovation across industries. It outlines how organisations are increasingly integrating these technologies into core workflows to enhance decision-making and customer experiences. The analysis provides a strategic overview of the technological landscape, helping leaders anticipate disruptions and align their digital transformation efforts with future market demands.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt your skill set to remain relevant as AI and automation redefine core job functions. Technical literacy in artificial intelligence and data analysis will become baseline requirements, not just specialist niches. Professionals in management and operations should prioritise understanding how to integrate these tools into existing workflows efficiently. You should actively seek training in AI strategy and data science to lead rather than follow these changes. Ignoring this shift risks obsolescence, while embracing it opens pathways to senior strategic roles. Start by auditing your current digital competencies and identifying gaps in your understanding of algorithmic decision-making. Invest time in learning how to interpret data insights and manage AI-driven projects. This proactive approach ensures you stay ahead of the curve and deliver tangible value to your organisation.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

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