IBM Reveals 5 Technological Trends In 2026: Sovereign AI To Quantum Computing

Illustration of AI (photo: iStock)

JAKARTA - Global technology company IBM predicts 5 trends that will emerge in 2026. Starting from artificial intelligence (AI) sovereign or sovereign AI, to quantum computing technology (quantum computing).

"Now, let's look at these five trends. Sovereign AI, AI as a multiplier of growth, large-scale agent interoperability, reliable AI (trusted AI), and quantum excellence," said IBM ASEAN General Manager & Technology Leader Catherine Lian on Thursday, December 11.

Sovereign AI Sovereign (AI Sovereign)

Catherine said that sovereign AI is no longer just compliance, but will be a necessity. IBM found that 80% of multinational companies in Asia Pacific will implement a sovereignty data strategy by 2027.

AI as a growth multiplier (AI as a growth multiplier)

IBM reveals that AI adoption continues to develop from automation to cost efficiency, making AI working for businesses a revenue creation.

The best performance 72% CEO in the world calls AI's advantages a generating resource. Now, 85% of executives around the world believe that AI will enable business models," he explained.

In fact, Catherine added, 95% of executives around the world position AI as a strategy, unless it generates and functions as capital revenue.

Scaling Agent Interoperability (Improving Agent Interoperability)

IBM states that, maximizing the benefits of future AI Agentics, companies should build architectures for agent-based AIs, enable continuous data flows to and between agents, as well as redefine employee and agent impacts.

"This will be a very important fundamental structure in defining technology," said Catherine.

Trusted AI (Believed AI)

As many as 95% executives have commented that consumer confidence in AI will determine success. 89% feel that they will interact with AI, and 56% of consumers are enthusiastic about AI-backed services.

"It should be noted that when we move the entire structure in a trusted AI, the government needs to play a role in encouraging regulation. What needs to be done when we get the data, how do we translate it into a trusted AI," he said.

Quantum Advanced (Quantum Excellence)

IBM said that the era of quantum computing is no longer just a discourse, but a strategic journey that must begin to be prepared from now on.

"Now, organizations that are ready to face quantum technology will adopt it three times more. Therefore, we ensure that quantum safe features are embedded in each product," said Catherine.