The 2026 CIO agenda: What IT trends are CIOs really focused on? Part 8 of 8
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Below are the eight IT trends that are top of mind for CIOs in 2026. While they are not necessarily new, remember that trends evolve continuously, which means their relevance increases or decreases over time. In this series, we will look at the trends one by one in greater detail. For each trend, you’ll read what it is, what it means for IT, and what the strategic implications are for the CIO role. We’ll also see what this requires in terms of leadership and organizational maturity.
The eight IT trends for 2026
AI is no longer an innovation topic; it is a governance issue
Autonomous teams without orchestration architecture create organized chaos
Platform-first strategies: complexity is IT’s largest invisible cost
Confidential computing is no longer a legal discussion; it is an architectural choice
Citizen development is inevitable; chaos is optional
Ecosystems: IT value increasingly exists outside the organization
The convergence of low-code and high-code
You cannot build a digital strategy on analog foundations
The impact of these trends varies by organization. Factors such as regulation, industry, company size, board-level digital ambition, and the current state of the core IT landscape all play a role. Let’s unpack trend number eight.
8. You cannot build a digital strategy on analog foundations
Challenge
Many organizations pursue ambitious digital strategies. They aim to deploy AI, empower hybrid teams and participate in digital ecosystems. However, their core processes still depend on outdated systems that cannot support modern operating models.
Legacy systems such as old ERP platforms, heavily customized applications and monoliths dictate the pace of change. As long as they do, digital ambition remains theoretical. The issue becomes visible when innovation initiatives repeatedly fail due to integration challenges, lack of data availability or release constraints.
Digital transformation does not require polished roadmaps. It requires difficult decisions about what organizations are willing to let go.
Action
CIOs must engage the board on questions such as whether to invest in renewal or continue optimizing existing systems, when good is good enough and how much risk the organization is willing to accept. Initial steps include identifying business-critical legacy systems and stopping cosmetic transformation initiatives. Then, targeted modernization and reskilling follow.
Whether they like it or not, CIOs own the organization’s accumulated technical debt. Failure to modernize eventually blocks strategic initiatives and threatens long-term viability. These efforts are rarely considered exciting. Therefore, CIOs must act with persistence, transparency and resolve.
That's a wrap! Which of the eight IT trends for 2026 caught your eye? If you would like to chat more about your CIO agenda, get in touch
Niels van Lieshout
Principal Director Technology
T: +31 650657444
