AI And Digital Trends Reshape Global Business In 2026

As 2026 unfolds, businesses across the globe are bracing themselves for a year defined by rapid technological change, evolving consumer behavior, and a shifting geopolitical landscape. From the bustling seafood markets of Asia to the digital corridors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the pulse of transformation is unmistakable. According to recent reports from Omdia, The Fishing Daily, and Consultancy.eu, four major trends are converging to reshape the business environment: the industrialization of artificial intelligence (AI), the rise of the transformation economy, mounting digital and operational risks, and the emergence of a new world order marked by remilitarization and economic realignment.

AI Moves From Experimentation to Industrial Reality

The year 2026 marks a pivotal phase for artificial intelligence. As reported by Consultancy.eu on February 4, 2026, AI is no longer a playground for experimentation but has become the backbone of business operations across sectors. Last year, AI attracted nearly half of all global startup funding, cementing its status as the core of a technological “supercycle.” This surge in investment is not slowing down—instead, organizations are now tasked with embedding AI into their strategies, operations, and governance structures.

Leaders are being urged to anchor AI in their core business strategies, rather than treating it as a mere IT function. The advice from experts is clear: “Redesign core processes end-to-end. Re-engineer workflows with AI as a starting point, not as an add-on,” Consultancy.eu recommends. This means measuring impact not by the number of tools adopted, but by tangible improvements in cycle time, error reduction, and scalability. The call to action also extends to building robust AI governance, upskilling employees in AI literacy, and preparing for increased scrutiny from regulators and customers alike.

Omdia’s survey, published on February 4, 2026, echoes this sentiment, revealing that SMEs are under increasing pressure from rising digital risks and operational demands. To stay competitive, these enterprises are prioritizing “AI-first operations, security-led spending, and multi-layered connectivity.” The shift is tangible: nine out of ten SMEs plan to use AI, and those embracing the technology are spending 1.6 times more on cybersecurity, blending intelligence and protection as twin pillars of digitalization.

Security, Trust, and the Digital Provider Shake-Up

With digital risk on the rise, SMEs are not only adopting AI but also re-evaluating their relationships with technology providers. Omdia’s research from November 2025 reveals that 60% of SMEs plan to change digital providers within the next 18 months. Cybersecurity now leads SME budgets, and AI is regarded as essential infrastructure. Yet, trust remains an issue—only one in three SMEs consider their telecommunications provider a true partner.

This environment is fueling intense competition among telcos, cloud marketplaces, and security vendors. Service quality and trust have become the strongest drivers of SME loyalty, overtaking traditional concerns like price. Telcos, in particular, are being challenged to improve reliability and deliver secure, AI-ready solutions to maintain relevance in the SME digital transformation journey.

The path to success for technology vendors, according to Omdia, lies in offering vertical-specific AI templates, ensuring local compliance, and providing advisory services. These elements turn AI from a generic tool into a loyalty driver and a source of revenue differentiation.

Asia’s Seafood Markets: A Case Study in Digital Transformation

The digital revolution isn’t limited to software and IT services. The seafood industry, especially in Asia, is undergoing its own transformation, as highlighted by The Fishing Daily on February 4, 2026. The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) reported at its annual conference that technology and AI are rapidly reshaping the seafood value chain—from logistics and supply chain management to consumer engagement and sales channels.

Asia continues to serve as the global growth engine for seafood, driven by urbanization, a burgeoning middle class, and a focus on health and longevity. In South Korea, for instance, ecommerce now accounts for 15% of fresh salmon and nearly 30% of mackerel sales. “Fresh fish delivered to consumers’ doors has become a marker of trust and quality,” noted Ingebjørg Hjortdahl, NSC country director in South Korea. For a society with more than 10 million single households, convenience and health are paramount, making seafood a natural fit.

China’s appetite for seafood is also on the rise. Norwegian seafood exports to China soared from NOK 8.5 billion in 2023 to NOK 12.3 billion in 2025, with salmon leading the charge. Sigmund Bjørgo, NSC country director in China, explained, “Growth is fuelled by competitive salmon prices, a rapidly expanding middle class and increased distribution in smaller Chinese cities. Modern retail, neighbourhood stores, and online channels make salmon easy to buy.” If current trends persist, China could become the world’s second-largest salmon market in 2026.

Digital platforms and livestreaming are transforming how seafood is marketed and sold. In South Korea, a viral mukbang featuring Norwegian salmon boosted retail sales by 27% in just two weeks. In China, livestreaming on platforms like TikTok has become a significant sales engine, with home consumption of seafood now surpassing restaurant sales, and online retail overtaking offline channels.

The Transformation Economy and Longevity

Underlying these industry shifts is a broader societal trend: the emergence of the “transformation economy.” As Louise Byg Kongsholm, CEO of Pej Gruppen, emphasized at the NSC conference, consumers are increasingly investing in health, nutrition, and personal well-being. This focus is particularly pronounced among Asia’s ageing population, who are seeking longevity and quality of life. Seafood, with its high-quality protein and essential nutrients, is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand.

Research into the world’s “Blue Zones”—regions where people regularly live beyond 100 years—underscores the link between seafood-rich diets and longevity. Companies that can offer clean-label, protein-rich, and convenient seafood options stand to gain as consumers make more deliberate, health-focused choices.

Geopolitical and Economic Headwinds

While technological innovation and shifting consumer preferences are creating new opportunities, businesses must also navigate a world that is increasingly polarized and unpredictable. Consultancy.eu describes 2026 as a “PLUTO” world—Polarised, Liquid, Unilateral, Tense, and Omni-relational. European economies are remilitarizing in response to geopolitical risks, with NATO setting investment benchmarks and the EU increasing defense spending to €381 billion in 2025, about 2.1% of GDP.

At the same time, the US dollar’s value has weakened, and its role as a global reserve currency is under scrutiny. Companies are being advised to map their exposure to currency fluctuations, localize supply chains, and diversify risk to maintain resilience in a volatile economic climate.

In this environment, adaptability is the watchword. Whether it’s embracing AI, investing in cybersecurity, or pivoting to meet new consumer demands, organizations that move swiftly and thoughtfully are best positioned to thrive. The year ahead promises challenges, but also a wealth of opportunity for those willing to transform.

As 2026 progresses, the convergence of technology, digital behavior, and global forces will continue to define the business landscape—demanding both caution and boldness from leaders around the world.