5 predictions about agentic AI and analytics in 2026

Gartner's report "Predicts 2026: AI Agents, MCP and Governance are Transforming Analytics" explores how organizations are strategizing for agentic AI by 2026, emphasizing that while AI offers new opportunities, it also introduces governance challenges. Predictions include a significant reliance on general-purpose LLMs for analytics, potential failures in agentic analytics projects lacking a semantic layer, and risks of financial or reputational damage from ungoverned AI decisions. Peter Corless from Redpanda provides additional insights, suggesting that successful AI implementation requires shared leadership responsibilities, skill development among data analysts, and robust governance frameworks. He identifies emerging standards like ISO 42001 and AIUC-1 as crucial for ensuring AI safety and reliability. Corless also emphasizes the importance of a unified framework, like Redpanda's Agentic Data Plane, to address governance and operational challenges in deploying agentic systems.