Securing future success with agility – the competitive edge for 2026

Agility beyond speed

Agility has become the mantra of modern business, but its true meaning goes far beyond reacting quickly. It is about enabling organisations to pivot in an environment where change is the only constant – a reality underscored by this year’s C-suite barometer. For the Adecco Group, acting as the bridge between talent and businesses, agility is existential.

The latest C-suite barometer confirms what many leaders already sense – AI and technology are the engines of progress. Yet optimism is tempered, understandably, by unease. Investments in security are rising, but confidence in data protection is falling. This paradox reflects the harsh truth in that challenges are evolving faster than the defences businesses are putting in place. The priority of transformation that we’re seeing is not in question, but leaders should be assessing how they do it without eroding trust in the long-term. 

Scaling responsibly: balancing innovation and risk

Here lies the tension at the heart of agility. The temptation to prioritise speed over governance is strong, with ethical AI, compliance and responsible frameworks often treated as afterthoughts. This mindset must change.

“Risk management cannot be a bolt-on. It needs to be embedded from the start, alongside new technologies and as part of transformation strategies. Balancing value with risk is the cultural shift we need.”

For large organisations, we know the challenge is no longer whether to invest in AI and modernisation – most already have. The challenge is scaling those investments safely, credibly and in a way that earns confidence from regulators, customers and investors.

Our approach at the Adecco Group to scaling AI illustrates the point. Pilots and proofs of concept are no longer enough. To unlock productivity gains and deliver a talent and technology advantage, organisations must industrialise AI at scale and do so responsibly, guided by principles of transparency and safety. Those that fail to build trust will struggle to realise the returns expected on their investments. Agility is therefore not speed alone; it is speed with necessary safeguards.

Security as a strategic enabler

Expanding internationally is critical for scaling up, but it brings complexity from geopolitical tensions, strict data sovereignty rules and constantly changing privacy regulations. Technology can simplify this minefield if leaders design with foresight. Standardised technologies that work everywhere, reusable systems across markets and security embedded from day one are all essential. This approach ensures compliance without creating operational chaos – a principle that extends to data hubs and offshore centres, where efficiency must not come at the expense of GDPR, the EU AI Act or sovereignty risks.

The human factor

Critical for success, leaders need to recognise that technology alone cannot deliver agility. Investment in upskilling is essential – not just in AI, but in all areas of security and risk awareness, for everyone. Employees need to understand what AI can and cannot do, and leaders must prioritise responsible and human-centric use.

“Training builds a culture where security and innovation are seen as enablers, not burdens. This cultural foundation will determine whether organisations thrive or falter in the age of intelligent automation.”

The road ahead

Scaling AI without governance is a gamble. The winners will be those who balance ambition with risk management. For many traditional businesses, the question isn’t whether AI will transform operations, it’s whether they can scale it responsibly and turn promise into performance. The differentiator won’t be speed alone, it will be the agility advantage built on trust, governance and resilience. Leaders who embed these principles from the start will create sustainable business models where technology drives growth and confidence. By pioneering human-centric solutions, they ensure that technology serves as a bridge to opportunity rather than a source of fragility.