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Revolutionizing Enterprises: AI Autonomy in 2026

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, HCLSoftware has recently published its much-anticipated report on Tech Trends for 2026, which reveals pivotal shifts in how businesses leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to become more autonomous. This report, the result of extensive research over eight months and insights from 173 industry leaders, outlines how AI autonomy is becoming a game-changer, driving a competitive edge while emphasizing the need for appropriate governance strategies.

Key Findings

The report highlights that AI agents and autonomous systems are rapidly gaining traction globally, with 76% of leaders prioritizing these systems. Furthermore, 81% of companies have initiated pilot programs or live projects focusing on AI autonomy. However, a critical gap exists, as 25% of organizations still lack the necessary governance frameworks to support these advancements.

Another significant takeaway is the forecasted explosive growth of Low-Code/No-Code platforms powered by AI. 84% of respondents anticipate that these platforms will achieve full scale within the next 18 months. Additionally, the Service-as-Software™ (SaS) model is creating a paradigm shift, quickly redefining the standard Software as a Service (SaaS) landscape.

Furthermore, discussions around ethics and infrastructure are shifting from IT silos to boardrooms, with 79% of leaders indicating the implementation of responsible AI frameworks, and 88% assessing their readiness for post-quantum cryptography (PQC). About 60% expects preparedness for 6G technology within three years.

The Importance of Governance

As AI transitions from being merely a supportive tool to an autonomous entity, the way organizations operate is fundamentally transforming. AI systems are starting to initiate, execute, and accomplish tasks independently, paving the path for a new operation model—the