Enterprise leaders operate in an increasingly complex digital environment with the scale and sophistication of new threats looming large, making cyber resilience a prerequisite of doing business. Security breaches throughout the last year have shown just how disruptive incidents can be, placing operations, customer trust and brand reputation at risk. Leaders have no choice but to put network and data safeguards at the top of their agenda this year.
It’s not just evolving threats either; leaders face pressure to understand and successfully navigate data sovereignty. Enterprises need to show they are in full control of where data lives, how it is governed and how privacy obligations are upheld across borders. They must also exercise responsibility and accountability when it comes to the deployment of artificial intelligence, avoiding the hype and putting it to good use to tackle productivity challenges and help teams achieve more with fewer resources.
Together, there’s no doubt these issues will shape the enterprise agenda in the coming months. But what will set the competition apart will be those that are digitally ready and those that are not. Connectivity forms a big part of this readiness; it is no longer just a means for communication, it’s fast becoming a critical enabler of risk mitigation, stronger security postures, sustainable growth and a more productive workforce.
To unlock this value, organizations must actively prioritize how they use and invest in connectivity. Ultimately, understanding how connected technologies are evolving and what this means for security, performance and resilience will be critical for businesses that are looking to get ahead in 2026 and beyond.
Here is what is top of mind for me:
1. Satellite technology will become core to future-ready digital services
This year, satellite connectivity will no longer be viewed as an emerging innovation, but a competitive advantage to those who have adopted early. It will drive business continuity, unlock productivity in remote or hard-to-reach workforce locations, and provide resilience and reassurance when terrestrial networks are not enough. There are already several deployments that provide a blueprint for enterprises; healthcare, emergency services and civil engineering have all utilized satellite technology to drive value across their operations.
Importantly, this is not about choosing between satellite or terrestrial connectivity. Instead, the organizations that lead in 2026 will be those who adopt hybrid connectivity models, combining both to deliver future-ready digital services. From maintaining communications during outages to supporting remote environments, satellite will become integral to modern connectivity strategies.
2. Smart, sovereign and secure connectivity will be table stakes
The digital sovereignty conversation will pick up where it left off in 2026. What started as a regulatory discussion will develop into a strategic priority as organizations must exercise greater authority and control over how they handle and store customer data.
While fully sovereign alternatives will take time to mature, businesses will have an exciting and important role to play in shaping this transition. As such, leaders must work across regulatory, product and commercial teams to ensure they understand how the spectrum of connectivity innovation – from private networks to managed cloud and infrastructure controls – align with emerging frameworks to deliver innovation, agility and customer excellence.
The organizations that stay ahead in 2026, and beyond, will be those that can balance sovereign needs with global competitiveness, creating digital environments that are secure and compliant, while still enabling AI-driven productivity and innovation.
3. Moving from AI experimentation to measurable business value
Finally, this year, AI will no longer be judged on what it promises, but on the value it delivers. As budgets continue to tighten, businesses will be forced to do more with less, using AI not as an easy addition but as an extra tool to help teams work faster, smarter and more effectively.
Success will depend on understanding the basics: high-quality data, clear governance and secure digital environments that allow information to flow freely and responsibly across an organization. With these connected environment boxes ticked, AI can offer faster insights, automate more menial tasks and support decision-making processes without additional cost or complexity.
But it also requires a cultural shift. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the need to embed AI at the heart of operations, aligning systems, processes and culture so AI supports every employee and elevates every output.
Critically, defining AI’s role from the outset will be key. With the right partners and resilient digital foundations, AI can move beyond experimentation to become a dependable, strategic asset that helps businesses achieve more with fewer resources.
Connectivity’s evolving role
In short, the conversation around connectivity will shift fundamentally in 2026. Dependable, trusted digital services will no longer set businesses apart; it will be the baseline expectation. With cyber risk intensifying, regulatory scrutiny rising and AI becoming central to achieving value, connectivity must be recognized as critical infrastructure, rather than a supporting utility.
My advice for business leaders is not to innovate for the sake of it, but to think about the difference it will make in practice. Organizations that invest in this mindset will be better equipped to safeguard their operations, adapt quickly and scale confidently. In doing so, businesses won’t just strengthen their own resilience, but contribute to a more connected, secure and resilient digital economy.
Marika Auramo was appointed as CEO of Vodafone Business on July 1, 2024. She brings extensive B2B experience with over 25 years in the global IT industry. She previously served as Chief Business Officer for the EMEA region of SAP and was responsible for driving the go-to-market strategy for SAP’s product portfolio across 89 countries and for managing 14,000 employees.
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