Predicting the Biggest Trends Across Industries in 2026

Every year, our team at Innovationedge comes together in an attempt to decode what the future holds. We’ve distilled a wealth of data, drawn from expert insights, and identified emerging patterns. Now, it’s time to dive into our forecast to see which trends will define 2026.

Find out how a renewed emphasis on human connection and integrity is reshaping how businesses, communities, and people are reshaping the future below.

1. A Human-Centered Approach To Upskilling

At Innovationedge, we’ve been shining a flashlight on the importance of upskilling today’s workforce for several years. Until recently, the focus has been on improving technical skills like programming and data science – but that’s changing. We already started to see this shift in 2025. Instead of developing hard skills, employees were encouraged to learn how to use platforms that allow them to bypass this step almost entirely.

For example, people learned how to prompt AI platforms to create apps and websites instead of mastering how to code themselves. As AI and automation tools minimize our reliance on technical skills that were once in high demand, employers and employees are reassessing what capabilities are actually important – and it’s the so-called “soft skills” that are rising to the top.

Jen Paterno, Senior Behavioral Scientist at CoachHub, explains that “as AI takes over technical expertise, the skills that matter most are human-centric – what industry experts now call ‘Power Skills’: emotional intelligence, creativity, resilience, curiosity, and social influence.

According to the World Economic Forum, employers expect 39% of workers’ core skills to change by 2030 with a push toward “durable” human capabilities. While analytical thinking remains in high demand, this report places other human-centered capabilities at the top of the list of core skills. These desirable traits include:

• Resilience
• Flexibility
• Leadership
• Social influence
• Empathy
• Active listening

In 2026, we expect to see more organizations invest in developing these Power Skills through new coaching initiatives, feedback frameworks, and experiential learning programs. After all, as Jabra’s Senior Vice President Holger Reising points out, “while AI can replace knowledge, it can’t replace connection.”

Related: Resilient Leadership Lessons for the Modern Workplace

2. The Consumer Demand for Integrity

Conversations around AI and machine learning shifted from excitement to concern partway through 2025, and for good reason. AI-generated images have become nearly impossible to decipher from reality. Companies announced significant layoffs, leaving employees to wonder if AI is their replacement. And climate and sustainability scrutiny led to protests of data centers around the world.

Amidst all of this, the “shiny new object” syndrome began to fade. Suddenly, buzzwords like “truth,” “trust,” and “transparency” were the new values every company was supposed to embrace to keep consumers satiated. But AI wasn’t the only reason consumer loyalty was shaken. An unpredictable economy, an unsettling political climate, and several examples of corporations actively undermining the public promises they’ve made added fuel to the fire.

C-suite executives were caught speaking poorly about their own products and the people who purchase them. Companies rolled back their DEI efforts – even though, as DBEI Director Francisco Vara-Orto points out, “we know diversity makes our communities more rich, fun, and welcoming — and that it’s also good for business.”

On top of this, several media organizations appeared to flip-flop on their coverage of high-profile events. Regardless of beliefs (political or otherwise), this dishonesty has left many people feeling exhausted and betrayed, often by the brands and public figures they once loved.

As we move into 2026, we expect to see the “Triple-T” buzzwords (trust, truth, and transparency) evolve into something more substantial: integrity. Consumers aren’t interested in corporate values. They’re interested in action.

A prime example of a mission-led organization that’s setting the bar for corporations everywhere is Dr. Bronner’s. You might know the brand for its “magic” soap with many uses. Maybe you’ve come across Dr. Bronner’s “All-One!” messaging. Or perhaps you’ve seen the recent stories that the company’s new starting pay is $29.11 per hour.

Dr. Bronner’s was founded on a set of Cosmic Principles that still guide everything the company does today. On the surface, it might seem a bit “out there,” – but placing such a heavy emphasis on these core values is exactly why consumers love the brand.

What began as a small family soapmaker is now estimated to be a $209M company, largely built on word-of-mouth and social mission work. That’s because ethical practices boost consumer trust and loyalty. In fact, 68% of consumers prioritize ethical behavior in their purchasing decisions. Dr. Bronner’s isn’t just talking the talk. The company weaves its Cosmic Principles into everything it does by:

• Prioritizing fair-trade and organic sourcing
• Setting an executive pay cap
• Providing high internal equity
• Producing reliable sustainability reports

Transparency alone doesn’t cut it anymore. Integrity is about actually showing up and doing the work in a way that aligns with all of an organization’s values, even when no one seems to be paying attention. It’s this consistency that builds brands people connect with, trust, and remain loyal to.

Related: The Defensive Consumer Mindset: Prioritizing Health and Sustainability

3. The Analog Renaissance

Combine subscription fatigue, screen burnout, and a heavy sense of distrust in the non-physical, and all signs point toward an analog renaissance. If 2025 was all about trying to fit AI into every tool, platform, and device imaginable, 2026 is primed to be the year low-tech options actually fetch a premium.

A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that 62% of young adults feel overwhelmed by social media, driving interest in experiences that support mindfulness and screen-free entertainment. Another study revealed that 50% of adults surveyed intentionally disconnect from digital life to improve their well-being and spend more time in the “real world.”

And millennials and Gen Z are embracing vintage technology (and fashion) for more than just nostalgia. From Polaroid cameras to vinyl records, people are craving tactile and meaningful experiences.

Consumers no longer want to “rent” their media only to lose access when they pause a subscription, a favorite show moves to another platform, or an artist pulls their catalog. They want to own it – for good.

Over the last year, 75% of consumers have cancelled at least one streaming subscription, citing rising costs and an overabundance of platforms. Layer all of this with growing data privacy concerns, and it’s easy to see why the pendulum is swinging backwards.

So, what does this mean for companies? They need to let consumers lead. Adding features and fixes no one is asking for to solve problems that don’t exist isn’t innovation. It’s over-complication – and in a society that rarely slows down, consumers are begging for simplicity. We expect to see a return to more streamlined, “traditional” product offerings this year, with some brands even leaning into their lack of AI features.

Related: Navigating the De-Influencing Movement: Ensuring Brand Relevance Amidst Changing Consumer Dynamics

4. Recession Indicators Drive Strategic Resilience

Despite executives claiming that they are more optimistic about economic conditions than they were earlier this year, inflation has re-emerged as one of the top five perceived risks – especially in North America. Geopolitical instability and conflicts remain the most significant threats, with trade policy being cited as a major influence.

Overall, leaders are cautious about the global economy. McKinsey reports that more executives believe conditions are worse than they were six months ago, and for the first time since December 2022, the majority expect to see these circumstances decline rather than improve.

In fact, nearly seven in ten executives now rank a recession scenario as the most likely economic outcome, with weak consumer confidence cited as the primary driver. But here’s where the story gets interesting – and optimistic. The same McKinsey study reveals that 63% of business leaders expect their company profits to increase over the next six months, and 52% predict that customer demand will grow.

How is that possible? Well, for one thing, global companies have the benefit of operating across various regional markets. While respondents in North America are more likely to report deteriorating conditions, emerging markets remain more optimistic. We expect to see organizations expand their footprint in areas like India and China this year.

Leaders are also leveraging technology to reduce overhead. Rising profit expectations alongside recession concerns indicate that companies view AI as a defensive efficiency tool. While we caution companies to exercise discernment when selecting new tools to integrate into their workflows, there’s no doubt that AI and automation spending will remain high this year, especially in areas like cost control, forecasting, and decision support.

Leaders are also investing in strategies that will help their companies weather a short-term economic downturn. 58% of businesses plan to introduce new products or services to build competitive resilience while placing a heavy focus on innovation and profitability strategies. We’re predicting a heavier emphasis on scenario planning, flexible budgets, and rolling forecasts during the first half of 2026.

Related: Navigating Uncertainty, Economic Shifts, and Consumer Trends With Agility

5. The Rise of the Micro-Collective Economy

According to the Pew Research Center, social trust in the government and institutions is more strained than it has been in nearly seven decades. When trust becomes fragmented like this, people turn to micro-networks they can rely on. Such organizations may include local clubs, niche online communities, or even tight-knit employee groups.

We saw this happen during the pandemic. Local mutual aid groups helped people with groceries and medication deliveries. Virtual choirs brought together thousands of singers from around the world. And in areas with limited internet, community networks were set up so people could stay connected.

We also saw this push again recently when everyday people banded together to feed their neighbors while SNAP benefits remained uncertain. Whether based on need, geography, or niche interests, these micro-collectives are growing online and offline – and they serve as a beautiful example for companies to follow.

Consumers are no longer willing to participate in communities that lack substance, but they will actively participate in discussions of value. People want to be part of the decision-making process. One business model that embraces this ideology is the cooperative and community-based framework.

Roughly 65,000 cooperative establishments operate in the U.S. today, spanning industries like housing, agriculture, consumer retail, and utilities. These member-owned, democratic businesses prioritize community welfare and empowerment by giving consumers agency. And it works. Worker cooperatives have grown noticeably in recent years, and they’re turning a profit, with the top 100 co-ops generating about $324 billion in revenue per year.

This model is, of course, in stark contrast to how the majority of companies operate today. For example, we’ve seen significant pushback against several organizations that have attempted to purchase rural land to build new data centers. A big reason for this? They didn’t try to consult with residents first. In some cases, lawsuits were required for locals to even uncover the names of the tech giants seeking permits.

This lack of transparency increases misconceptions about jobs, land use, and local impact, which in turn leads to pushback. As Milldam PR points out, the corporations that are seeing success in data center deployment so far are doing the exact opposite. They’re engaging early with local stakeholders, emphasizing community benefits, and encouraging an open dialogue with residents.

As people continue to seek out micro-collectives and nurture community efforts, the organizations that meet them where they’re at will win. Companies must integrate community feedback loops to uncover potential issues before they escalate and turn consumers into active participants. This collective ownership and governance will produce strong brand trust and economic resilience.

Entering 2026 With Insight and Integrity

Throughout this article, the trends we’ve explored highlight a world increasingly driven by human values, integrity, and resilience. These shifts remind us that businesses and individuals alike are finding new ways to connect and adapt during uncertain times.

At Innovationedge, we’re committed to helping you navigate these trends as they emerge. Whether you want to build a more resilient innovation strategy, strengthen your team’s Power Skills, or simply stay ahead of the curve, our experts are here to support you on your journey.

Follow us for ongoing insights, or explore our coaching services to learn more. Let’s shape the future together this year.