SAS trends and predictions

Building trust in the next wave of intelligence

No matter how you got here – from a headline, a post, or our press release – this is where we go deeper.

Our experts are looking beyond the buzz to explore why 2026 is shaping up to be another defining year for AI. We’re seeing the shift from generative to agentic – where AI becomes more autonomous, specialized and built on trust. Quantum innovation is speeding up analytics and sustainable intelligence is changing how performance is measured.

And these aren’t the only transformations on the horizon. Dive in to see how data, AI and human ingenuity are coming together to shape what’s next.

View our top nine predictions

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2026 predictions

Predictions

October 29, 2025
Choose your own adventure: Business edition Andrew Lockhart
October 28, 2025
How to measure AI ROI in 2026 Marinela Profi
October 24, 2025
What happens when machine learning meets credit ratings? Stas Melnikov

Predictions

October 22, 2025
The new era of procurement starts with agentic AI John Stultz
October 20, 2025
AI engineering: The discipline that will shape the future Colby Hoke
October 16, 2025
We trust GenAI – but should we? Kimberly Nevala

View more in-depth predictions

Meet your new coworkers: Agentic AI

As we mark half a century of innovation, resilience and growth, 2026 ushers in a new era of enterprises evolving into ecosystems where AI agents are no longer tools; they are teammates. Enterprises will be expected to operate with mixed human–AI teams, where agents act as trusted collaborators, executing tasks, sharing context, and learning continuously alongside people.

— Udo Sglavo, Vice President, Applied AI and Modeling Research & Development

AI Agents: What they are and why they matter →

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Counting on quantum

In 2026, the quantum market will heat up considerably in hopes that the technology is likely to mature to early-stage value by 2030. Most investors will rocket past hardware considerations in case the apparatus to achieve it is incoming. Keep your eyes peeled for the phrase ‘quantum architecture’ – the software and application layers that drive real-world quantum value. Expect hiring to ramp up for in-house expertise to run it.

— Amy Stout, Head of Quantum Product Strategy

Quantum AI: What it is and why it matters →

How much do you trust AI?

A global study reveals a surprising gap between how much people trust AI and how trustworthy it truly is. Organizations investing in responsible, explainable AI are 60% more likely to double ROI, yet most still lag behind on safeguards. Explore what this means for the future of AI innovation, trust and impact.

Read the global study

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