Corporate Boards Increase Focus on Strategy, Technology, and People as 2026 Approaches

As we approach 2026, corporate directors are sharpening their focus on executing strategies, optimizing workforce skills, and embracing technological transformation. This shift is outlined in the latest Governance Outlook Report from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), which surveyed over 24,000 members and reveals insights into the evolving landscape that boards must navigate.

The report notes that despite an environment of economic uncertainty—with more than 30% of directors anticipating a potential recession in 2026—many remain optimistic about their companies' growth prospects. This mixed outlook is prompting a decisive pivot towards enhanced oversight in several key areas:

1. Strategic Execution

Corporate directors are honing in on how strategies are executed, assessed, and adjusted in real-time. The survey highlights a significant concern; over 60% of boards rank strategy execution as their primary area for oversight improvement. In response to this, many are intensifying their focus on strategic discussions during meetings, citing the importance of aligning resources effectively to adapt to changing environments. This proactive approach aims to foster ongoing engagement, with over 40% of directors increasing interactions between formal meetings to ensure continuous alignment with their strategic goals.

2. Emphasis on People

The report indicates a growing prioritization of workforce development and leadership succession. Directors highlight the critical need to improve CEO succession planning as the most vital board practice requiring enhancement. In securing long-term organizational health, directors are being called to address challenges surrounding workforce adaptability and ensure they have the necessary skills to execute their strategies successfully. Alarmingly, only a third of directors expressed confidence in their board's collective capabilities, signaling a potential gap that needs to be addressed.

3. Technological Transformation

Technology remains a cornerstone theme among board agendas. A significant 76% of directors see artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal component of their growth strategies for 2026. However, they acknowledge a gap in leveraging this technology to its fullest potential; many report only moderate success in achieving operational or financial benefits from AI investments. The report stresses the importance of setting clear performance metrics and ensuring workforce skills align with technological efforts. Enhanced evaluation of technology initiatives and outcomes will be crucial in navigating the tech-driven future.

Conclusion

The NACD Governance Outlook also features insights from industry leaders, offering broader perspectives on pressing governance challenges. These insights are essential for boards as they contend with technology acceleration, regulatory shifts, and evolving market dynamics. The call to action for corporate directors is clear: successfully merging talent with technology will determine their companies' ability to innovate, adapt, and fulfill strategic commitments.

With effective leadership and a focus on disciplined execution, boards are better positioned to steer their organizations toward sustained success in the upcoming year. As challenges rapidly evolve in 2026, the emphasis on clarity of purpose and rigorous follow-through will be vital for leaders in the corporate world.