The Info-Tech Reaserch Group report released this month (January 2026) highlights a stark reality heading into 2026: while AI hype is ubiquitous, value is scarce. According to MIT’s study “The GenAI Divide,” 95% of AI pilot programs fail to deliver a measurable impact on profit and loss. The CIO Priorities 2026 report from Info-Tech Research Group argues that the era of experimentation is over. The new imperative is "Agentic AI"—autonomous systems that do not just chat, but execute.
The Leadership & Research
This analysis is grounded in primary research led by my colleague Brian Jackson, Principal Research Director for Special Projects at Info-Tech Research Group, alongside a team of executive counselors including Andy Neill and Jennifer Perrier. The insights are derived from the Future of IT 2026 Survey (n=738 IT decision-makers) and in-depth interviews with 25 IT leaders.
The Technology: Agentic AI & Federated Governance
The report identifies a fundamental shift in how IT systems are architected. The focus has moved from "assistive chatbot tools" to Agentic AI—systems capable of completing tasks rather than just discussing them.
However, this capability relies on a new data operating model. The report advocates for a Federated Data Governance structure. Rather than a bottleneck of centralized IT control, accountability is distributed to domain experts who manage "data products," while a central authority handles policy and compliance.
Operational Scale & The Maturity Gap
The data reveals a significant bifurcation in the market:
- The Investment: 76% of CIOs state their organizations will invest in agentic AI by the end of 2026.
- The Gap: "Innovators" (high-maturity IT shops) are significantly ahead, with 84.9% already utilizing agentic AI, compared to a lagging cohort of "Operators".
The Competitive Landscape: Innovators vs. Operators
The report categorizes IT organizations into two distinct competitive classes:
1. The Innovators (34.1%): These organizations have crossed the chasm. They prioritize "using AI for cybersecurity" and have integrated enterprise risk management. They view IT as a business partner that drives revenue.
2. The Operators (57.9%): This group remains reactive. Their primary focus is "keeping the lights on" and firefighting. They lack the architectural foundation to support agentic workflows and struggle to attract the talent required for the next phase of transformation.
Verified Outcomes
The report cites specific ROI examples from organizations that have adopted these priorities:
- Horizon Media: Transformed an internal service tool into a revenue-generating, client-facing platform using LLMs, creating a new business stream.
- Make-A-Wish Foundation: Centralized IT services across 57 chapters, securing economies of scale and enabling a "360-degree view" of donors and beneficiaries.
- Delta Dental: Reduced account renewal preparation time from four hours to 30 minutes using secure AI tools.
Global Footprint
The analysis considers a global context of "unprecedented volatility," citing geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts as key drivers for the priority on Proactive Risk Practice. The guidance applies to global enterprises navigating diverse regulatory environments like the EU AI Act.
1. Read the Report: Download the full CIO Priorities 2026 Report to benchmark your roadmap.
2. Go Deeper: Join the experts behind the research. Sign up for the CIO Priorities 2026 Webinar on February 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET to see how Innovators are applying these frameworks in the real world.
Source List
- Info-Tech Research Group, CIO Priorities 2026 Report, Brian Jackson et al.
- MIT, The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025.
- Future of IT 2026 Survey, Info-Tech Research Group.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects my personal views only. AI tools may have been used for brevity, structure, or research support. Please independently verify any information before relying on it. This content does not represent the views of my employer, Infotech.com.
Comments