Enterprise AI in 2026: Leaders, Laggards and the Rise of Agentic Strategy
Enterprise AI is entering a more mature phase, but not every organization is moving at the same pace.
In this episode of Utilizing AI, Stephen Foskett, Nick Patience, and Jon Swartz discuss the findings from Futurum Group’s latest AI Decision Maker Survey and what they reveal about enterprise AI adoption in 2026.
Based on input from hundreds of senior decision-makers across industries and regions, the conversation explores what separates AI leaders from laggards as organizations navigate model strategy, agentic AI, and operational maturity.
A key theme in the episode is the rise of multi-model AI. Rather than relying on a single platform, enterprises are increasingly adopting multiple models to support a wider range of use cases, deployment environments, and strategic priorities. The panel also examines the difference between multi-model and multimodal AI, and why that distinction matters.
The discussion highlights the emergence of enterprise AI power users—organizations that are moving beyond experimentation and developing clear strategies for deployment, governance, and scale. These leaders are gaining an advantage not just through technology choices, but through stronger internal alignment and a clearer understanding of where AI delivers value.
At the same time, many companies still face barriers to progress. Legacy infrastructure, integration challenges, and workforce adaptation continue to slow adoption for organizations that have not yet built the right foundation.
The episode also looks at the growing importance of agentic AI and what it may mean for enterprise strategy in the years ahead. As AI systems become more autonomous and capable of orchestrating workflows, enterprises will need to rethink governance, operational readiness, and leadership structures.
Finally, the panel considers whether the rise of the Chief AI Officer represents a lasting shift in how organizations manage AI at the executive level.
For technology leaders, this episode provides a grounded look at where enterprise AI stands today and what will define success in the next phase of adoption.