AI, data governance & automation to reshape business by 2026 !

📄 What’s the latest (news & expert insights)

According to a recent report titled “AI, data governance & automation to reshape business by 2026”, companies will need to deliver real returns on their AI/data investments. That means not just piloting AI, but proving ROI, speed, and automation outcomes. Trust — in how the AI “black box” works, how data is handled, and how decisions are made — will become a defining competitive edge for enterprises. IT Brief UK
Businesses that fail to explain or govern their AI systems risk falling behind, even if they adopt powerful technologies. IT Brief UK

Research from global advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG) finds that by 2026, half of all enterprises are likely to use integrated “intelligent automation + AI” to unify cloud and on-premise systems, streamline digital workflows, reduce errors, and let human workers focus on strategic tasks. businesswire.com
This shift will enable enterprises to connect previously siloed data, automate repetitive processes, and scale operations more reliably. businesswire.com+1

According to Avalara’s 2026 forecast, finance teams — especially CFOs — will evolve into “data strategists,” using AI-powered automation for forecasting, reconciliation, compliance, and supply-chain analytics. This shift will move tax and compliance from siloed, periodic tasks to continuous, real-time processes. PR Newswire+2Siam News Network+2
As compliance becomes tightly integrated with automation, businesses that combine speed with robust governance and auditability will gain a strategic advantage. PR Newswire+1

Experts note that data is moving from being a back-office “IT thing” to a core business asset. That means data governance, ownership, accountability — even executive leadership — is shifting. Data organizations are being reshaped: who owns data, who is responsible for outcomes, and how data is used strategically will fundamentally change. Forbes+1
This realignment suggests that successful businesses will treat data as a strategic product — not a byproduct of operations. Forbes+1

Trust, transparency & explainability will matter more than raw hype — Companies must ensure AI models are auditable and data governance is robust for wide adoption.
Automation + AI = scalable efficiency — Routine tasks, compliance, finance ops, supply-chain oversight and more will run faster, more reliably, and with fewer errors.
Data becomes a strategic lever — Instead of just storing or reporting data, businesses will leverage it to drive growth, compliance, forecasting, and decision-making in real time.
Competitive edge goes to early adopters with good governance — Those who invest not just in AI tools, but in data infrastructure and governance frameworks, will likely lead in 2026 and beyond.