Inconsistent data quality, unclear data governance, and low data literacy are continuing to undermine AI readiness and enterprise decision-making heading into 2026, according to Info-Tech Research Group. Findings from the firm's newly released Data Priorities 2026 report show that growing AI adoption and rising data volumes are increasing the impact of long-standing data challenges. The report outlines four priorities to help CIOs and CDOs strengthen data foundations, support trustworthy AI, and improve data-driven outcomes in the year ahead.

ARLINGTON, VA., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Many organizations are entering 2026 under pressure to deliver measurable value from AI initiatives while operating with limited budgets and increasing regulatory scrutiny. According to Info-Tech Research Group, foundational issues related to data quality, governance, and literacy remain unresolved across many enterprises, slowing progress and weakening confidence in analytics and AI-driven decision-making.

To help leaders address these challenges, the global IT research and advisory firm has recently published Data Priorities 2026. The report provides CIOs and CDOs with a structured view of the most critical data initiatives required to improve execution, clarify accountability, and strengthen trust in data as AI adoption expands.

Info-Tech's report emphasizes that AI and automation scale the condition of the data they rely on, increasing the operational and strategic impact of poor-quality or poorly governed data. The firm's Future of IT survey data shows that 40.9% of leaders cite improving data governance as one of their top data priorities for 2026, even beyond AI-specific initiatives. The report also reflects broader pressures shaping data agendas in 2026, including economic uncertainty, regulatory change, and the continued growth of enterprise data environments. Together, these factors are raising expectations for stronger discipline and clearer ownership across data programs.

"Feed AI and automation noise, and they'll scale confusion; feed them clarity, and they'll scale intelligence," says Pooja Khandelwal, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. "Organizations that focus on trustworthy data, clear governance, and an outcome-based data culture will see faster returns and reduced risk. Without these data foundations, even the most advanced AI and IT initiatives will stall or fail to deliver value."

Info-Tech's Four Key Data Priorities for 2026

To help enterprises move from fragmented data efforts toward more consistent, value-oriented execution, Info-Tech's Data Priorities 2026 report outlines four essential priorities for CIOs and CDOs to address in the coming year:

1. Enable Enterprise-Wide Accountability
   Establish one unified governance framework for both data and AI to reduce fragmentation, clarify accountability, and support consistent decision-making across the enterprise.
2. Embrace Customer-Centricity for Data
   Build data products that treat data as a reusable, outcome-driven asset, enabling faster delivery, improved scalability, and stronger alignment with business needs.
3. Build a Trusted AI-Ready Data Supply
   Improve data quality and trust so analytics and AI initiatives are supported by reliable, transparent, and fit-for-purpose data.
4. Cultivate Your Data Champions
   Build an adaptable data organization by fostering data and AI literacy, strengthening collaboration, and embedding data-driven thinking into everyday work.

"Turbulence in the economic and regulatory landscape will continue into 2026," adds Khandelwal. "But through strategic data leadership, CIOs and CDOs can position themselves to proactively minimize risks, optimize costs, and drive innovation and transformation so that IT delivers measurable value."

Info-Tech's Data Priorities 2026 report also includes frameworks, operating models, and implementation guidance to help organizations move from fragmented data efforts toward more consistent, value-oriented practices. By applying the firm's findings and approaches, IT and data leaders can strengthen trust in data, support responsible AI adoption, and improve decision-making across the enterprise.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech's experts, including Pooja Khandelwal, and access to the complete Data Priorities 2026 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group 

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.  

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group