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HCLSoftware's 2026 Tech Trends Report: AI Autonomy's Impact on Enterprises

In late January 2026, HCLSoftware, a prominent player in enterprise software solutions, released its Tech Trends 2026 report, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape business operations. This report is based on comprehensive research over eight months, alongside insights from 173 enterprise leaders, marking a vital turning point in the digital landscape.

Key Findings of the Report

The report identifies a major trend: the increasing focus on AI agents and autonomous systems. A staggering 76% of leaders prioritize the development of these technologies, with 81% of enterprises already implementing live or pilot projects. However, the report highlights a significant gap in governance frameworks, with 25% of organizations acknowledging this as a barrier to further adoption.

Additionally, the report projects that 84% of enterprises expect AI-driven Low-Code/No-Code platforms to achieve full-scale deployment within a mere 18 months. The emergent 'Service-as-Software™ (SaS)' model is also noted for its disruption of traditional Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions.

Ethics and infrastructure issues are no longer the sole concern of IT departments; they have permeated into boardroom discussions. Impressively, 79% of leaders stated that Responsible AI frameworks are already in place in their organizations. Moreover, 88% are evaluating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) capabilities, and 60% foresee readiness for 6G technology within three years.

The Significance of AI Autonomy

As AI technologies mature from basic assistance to fully autonomous agents, businesses are set to transition to a new operational model resembling a 'self-driving' enterprise. Digital Sovereignty is emerging as a key strategy, representing the control layer that ensures compliance, preserves data integrity, and builds trust across regions.

Organizations that implement a governance-by-design framework can confidently scale their autonomous capabilities, while those that remain static risk facing fragmented operations and diminishing accountability.

According to Kalyan Kumar, Chief Product Officer at HCLSoftware, enterprises will increasingly be defined by their ability to allow technology to make decisions and adapt on their behalf. The next few years, he notes, will be crucial for leaders who can leverage intelligence to create a dynamic operational model that is inherently autonomous and resilient.

2026 Trend Indicators

• - Autonomous Ecosystems: As 2026 marks a pivotal year for AI, systems are designed to autonomously initiate and complete tasks, forming the backbone of self-driving enterprises.
• - Next-Gen Software: The convergence of Generative AI and Low-Code platforms paves the way for self-operating software that independently evolves, essential for flexible enterprise architectures.
• - Quantum-Safe Security: Transitioning to quantum-resistant systems (27% are already in PQC pilots) ensures the integrity and continuity of AI-driven operations.
• - Sensing-Enabled Networks: With developments like low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and early-stage 6G trials, AI-enhanced connectivity is being established to improve real-time data sharing for autonomous functions.

Looking Forward: Signals for 2030

The report also provides insights into future developments, suggesting that today’s technological advancements are converging to shape industries in the coming years. It's imperative for leaders to build strong governance, develop talent, and create robust architectural foundations now, ensuring that autonomy and speed can grow without compromising control or trust.

Furthermore, the traditional enterprise model is evolving towards self-management, where autonomous systems continually optimize sales, supply chains, and resource management while reducing operational costs and emissions.

The workspace of the future will extend beyond conventional screens, utilizing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for training, execution, and remote inspections, supported by immersive labs that enrich experiences.

As data collection shifts towards outcome governance, enterprises will implement a decision-making fabric alongside a comprehensive data mesh that enhances AI's transparency and compliance, aligning sustainability with health metrics through innovative insights.

For a deep dive into the findings, the full report can be accessed here. For further inquiries, the HCLSoftware PR team can be reached at [email protected].