10 biggest opportunities for tech companies in 2026

Opportunities for tech companies in focus in 2026 as AI, geopolitics and demands for measurable business results are changing the playing field for technology companies in Sweden and globally. With the rapidly increasing use of artificial intelligence, a more complex geopolitical situation and a clear requirement to demonstrate concrete business benefit, many tech companies are facing crucial strategic choices.

According to EY's global analysis for 2026 There are several clear opportunities for tech companies to strengthen growth, increase preparedness and build long-term trust in an increasingly AI-driven economy. These opportunities are particularly relevant for Swedish technology companies operating in a regulated and competitive environment.

As the tech industry enters 2026, it accelerates AI implementation in more and more businesses, while investors, customers and boards are placing higher demands on measurable results. Companies that can quickly seize opportunities in acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures will, according to EY a clear strategic advantage.

A recent CEO survey among global tech companies, EY Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey, shows that 83 percent of business leaders are prioritizing joint ventures and strategic alliances in the coming months. This is an increase of almost 30 percent compared to January 2025 and underlines the importance of acting quickly and structured.

For Swedish technology companies, this means that opportunities for tech companies in 2026 are largely about collaboration, scalability and the ability to combine innovation with business discipline.

– To navigate this rapidly changing environment, leaders at tech companies need to Sweden seize the opportunities that are now emerging. The right strategic decisions can help companies not only manage risks but also create new value and long-term competitive advantages, says Charlotte Kvarnstrom, partner and advisor in technology, media and telecom at EY.

Safe and responsible AI becomes business critical

Safe and reliable AI has moved from being a development project to becoming a business-critical necessity. Requirements for ethics, transparency and regulatory compliance are crucial to building trust with customers, consumers and society at large.

Organizations are increasingly moving towards shared responsibility models where management sets clear guidelines and establishes common ways of working for AI use. Without a clear framework, AI initiatives risk becoming fragmented, which can lead to decisions that do not support the organization’s overall business goals.

EY points out several clear opportunities for tech companies in 2026 where the right strategy in AI, partnerships and security will be crucial for competitiveness.

– By 2026, companies need to implement effective and responsible AI to ensure sustainable growth. Swedish tech companies must create clear processes that manage risks and ensure that AI solutions work correctly, consistently and deliver expected business benefits, says Charlotte Kvarnstrom.

Human contact remains central to the customer journey

Another recent study, EY Decoding the Digital Home Study 2025, shows that consumers globally are increasingly open to AI support during the purchasing journey. Up to half of households would consider AI-based assistance from service providers.

At the same time, the results show that Swedish consumers are more skeptical. They still prefer search engines, personal service and physical store visits to fully AI-driven solutions. This creates further opportunities for tech companies in 2026 where Swedish players can combine AI efficiency with human presence to create trust and better customer experiences.

Ten biggest opportunities for tech companies in 2026 according to EY

1. Create rapid growth through partnerships and collaborations linked to AI development
2. Design customer experiences for the use of AI agents and physical AI
3. Empower leaders to drive safe and reliable AI in mature implementations
4. Rethinking the commercial strategy for AI agents
5. Navigate between open and closed AI models to balance cost and performance
6. Create locally adapted systems and borderless working models to meet regulations and utilize global expertise
7. Let technical specialists handle the complexity of AI platforms for better implementation
8. Reviewing the tax strategy for digital infrastructure in the AI era
9. Optimize cloud costs using AI for better return on investment
10. Redefine security strategy to protect identity, data and operations against new AI threats

For Swedish technology companies, these opportunities for tech companies in 2026 mean a clear path forward where long-term strategy, investments in the right skills and responsible use of AI will be crucial for future success and sustainable growth.