Economy Politics Local 2026-03-10T13:14:18+00:00

AI and Geopolitics Drive Business Transformation for 2026

According to a McKinsey report, 88% of companies are experimenting with AI, but 81% cannot yet translate this into financial gains. Organizations face challenges from geopolitical instability and the need to rethink business processes.


AI and Geopolitics Drive Business Transformation for 2026

Global organizations are immersed in an unprecedented business transformation process for 2026, driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence, geopolitical instability, and the evolution of the labor market. According to the McKinsey & Company report 'The State of Organizations 2026', based on consultations with over 10,000 executives, these changes have ceased to be temporary and have become structural challenges that demand a redefinition of corporate value. McKinsey's analysis reveals a duality in technology implementation: while 88% of companies are already experimenting with artificial intelligence, 81% have not managed to translate these trials into tangible financial improvements. The lack of readiness is evident, as 86% of surveyed leaders acknowledge that their organization lacks the capability to integrate AI into its daily operations. The report details that current application is limited to isolated tasks, omitting the comprehensive process redesign needed to capture the tool's potential. Among the factors hindering an agile response are rigid hierarchical structures (38%), compliance with local regulations (32%), and internal cultural resistance (29%). Despite the magnitude of these risks, the study shows a gap in prevention, as only 26% of companies execute quarterly scenario plans to anticipate political or economic disruptions. The leadership's vision has shifted from post-pandemic resilience to sustainable performance. In this context, two-thirds of leaders rate their organizations as inefficient and overly complex. In response, 84% of firms plan to strengthen their shared service centers over the next two years, integrating higher levels of automation and innovation. Regarding organizational culture, 80% of companies persist in their diversity and inclusion policies, although only a quarter manage to link these initiatives with a direct and sustained impact on business performance. 72% of senior executives confirm that international tensions directly impact their operations.