What to expect from AI applied to management in 2026?

As 2026 progresses, Artificial Intelligence (AI) ceases to be a futuristic promise and becomes a central element in business management in all segments of the economy.It is not just about trying new tools, but redesigning management models, operating on the basis of real-time data and creating sustainable competitive advantage in increasingly dynamic and complex markets.

This means that there are some relevant trends in the application of AI in management processes, with concrete advantages for companies. Of course, Brazil can accelerate the adoption of this and other new technologies to boost productivity, innovation and competitiveness.Inclusive, several studies, such as the 2025 The State of AI‘ by McKinsey & Company, show that companies are incorporating AI at a rapid pace around the world.

According to the survey, 78% of companies already use AI in at least one business function (A significant leap from previous years, with technology moving from the testing phases to large-scale deployments.In small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 78% already use AI in some sector, especially in customer service, marketing and operations. Finally, the study points out that organizations that invest in AI with growth and innovation goals tend to achieve better results than those that use it only for cost reduction.

These numbers highlight that Artificial Intelligence is no longer optional, but a strategic and indispensable component in modern management, which is transforming management in a relevant way. After all, with the use of AI decision making becomes faster and more assertive, since AI systems can analyze large volumes of data in real time, providing insights that human managers would take days or weeks to generate. This improves from operational decisions to market strategies. In addition, process automation and productivity is revolutionizing repetitive and administrative tasks, from document processing to price calculation and inventory optimization. 

Another benefit is linked to customer service and experience. Chatbots, virtual assistants and AI agents already respond to most of the routine interactions of customers, ensuring 24/7 service and more satisfaction. Otherwise, financial planning becomes even more objective, since AI tools analyze historical patterns and emerging variables to create robust projections of cash flow, expenses and revenue, increasing the accuracy of financial planning. And, to close, there are the advantages related to recruitment and talent management, due to the automation of tasks related to the screening of curricula, conducting preliminary interviews and profile analysis, which allow managers to focus on strategic decisions.

Companies that invest strategically in AI report average returns of 3.7 times the amount invested.In the case of SMEs, there are significant gains in productivity, better customer experience and acceleration of innovation.In addition, organizations that combine quality data, robust governance and technological integration can extract results far superior to the average.In competitive markets, companies that dominate the use of AI obtain advantages that accumulate over time.

In Brazil, there is a vibrant innovation ecosystem, with startups and initiatives that already apply AI in business management. Examples of Brazilian companies that innovate with AI include customer service automation solutions, intelligent CRM and financial management platforms that automate accounting and operational processes. With public policies that encourage innovation, training and partnerships between companies and academic institutions, Brazil has everything to position itself among Latin American leaders in adopting AI applied to management.

In my view, in 2026, artificial intelligence will help reshape the way companies are managed by transforming decision-making, improving the customer experience, strengthening teams and shaping winning strategies. In Brazilian companies, the question must no longer be “adotar or not?” to become “quando fast and strategically we will implement?”. The answer to this question will define who leads sectors and who is left behind.

True competitive advantage will come from leaders who know how to integrate AI into business culture and strategy, turning the potential of technology into real results.

*Mauricio Frizzarin is founder and CEO of QYON Tecnologia, an American company specialized in the development of software for business management with artificial intelligence. Frizzarin studied Software Technology and Marketing, OPM (Owner/President Management) at Harvard Business School, Executive Education in Artificial Intelligence at the University of California, Berkeley and Fintech at Harvard www.qyon.it