AI in 2026: The Year of Grounding in Business and Edge AI

Artificial Intelligence in 2026: The Year of Grounding in Business and Edge AI

In 2026, artificial intelligence will no longer be an experimental phenomenon or a conference buzzword, but a concrete tool integrated into daily business processes. According to experts like Filippo Poletti, LinkedIn Top Voice and author of the book “Supervisor, i professionisti dell’AI” (Supervisor, AI professionals), this year will mark the “grounding” of AI, with investments leading to a profound reorganization of businesses and professional firms.[1] In parallel, the rise of edge AI – artificial intelligence that operates directly on devices without the cloud – will revolutionize speed, privacy, and operational autonomy.[2] This convergence of trends represents an unmissable opportunity for Italian companies, called upon to develop new skills to avoid being left behind in a digital market expanding by 3.7%.[1]

In a context where AI spending reached one billion euros in 2024 with a growth of 38.7%, as reported by Anitec-Assinform, companies must prepare for an adoption that is no longer optional, but essential for global competitiveness.[1] Mario Nobile, general manager of the Agency for Digital Italy, emphasizes that AI is a necessity in a rapidly evolving world.[1] We will explore the key skills, the technological evolution towards edge AI, autonomous agents, and the impact on business, providing a practical roadmap for professionals and companies.

From Investment Boom to Daily Use: Data on the Italian Market

The Italian digital market is experiencing a phase of sustained growth. In 2024, business spending on artificial intelligence increased by 38.7%, reaching one billion euros, with peaks in areas such as cybersecurity and AI itself.[1] This expansion is driven by an overall +3.7% of the digital sector, which positions Italy as fertile ground for innovation.[1]

Investments don't stop there: projections indicate that in 2026 AI will move from prototype to operational reality, with 100% of companies surveyed in a RunSafe Security report already using AI for code generation, testing, and documentation.[2] No company declares to avoid it completely, signaling a complete transition from the pilot phase to routine integration.[2]

The Three Fundamental Skills to Govern AI

To navigate this transformation, Poletti identifies three essential skills, developed with the contribution of 69 experts from the Polytechnic University of Milan, the Catholic University, Bain, Deloitte, and EY.[1]

1. Prompt Mindset: This is not about simple queries like on Google, but an advanced dialogue with AI. Learning to formulate effective prompts means extracting maximum value from generative models, transforming them into strategic allies for data analysis and creativity.[1]

2. Agency: This is the human ability to exert a “causal power” on AI systems, actively intervening to make concrete results happen. No longer passive users, but directors of intelligent automation.[1]

3. Vive Working: A hybrid human-machine approach, where AI amplifies human performance in a living and dynamic workflow. These skills will be the key to reorganizing business processes.[1]

These skills are not abstract: they require continuous training, with a focus on a practical mindset to maximize the ROI of AI investments.

Edge AI: From the Cloud to Devices, the On-Device Revolution

One of the most disruptive trends of 2026 is the shift towards edge AI, where generative models operate directly on smartphones, computers, and IoT devices, without depending on the cloud.[2] Apple is preparing an enhanced Siri, while Qualcomm is developing mobile processors for complex on-device languages.[2]

Practical Advantages for Businesses

• Speed: Instant responses without network latency.
• Offline: Operation without internet, ideal for remote or critical environments.
• Privacy: Sensitive data remains on the device, reducing breach risks.[2]
• Energy Efficiency: Lower consumption, crucial for business scalability.

For sectors such as manufacturing and logistics, edge AI means real-time control of machinery without delays, while for marketing it allows instant local data analysis.[2] This paradigm lowers technical barriers, democratizing access to advanced AI.

Autonomous Agents: From Testing to Scale Production

2025 saw the birth of AI agents, systems capable of complex tasks autonomously. In 2026, they will enter industrial production, accessible not only to developers but to everyday business users.[2][3]

According to Gemini, these agents will become “active executives”: they will renew subscriptions, optimize travel, or restructure workloads based on user parameters.[3] IBM notes that the barriers are falling, favoring bottom-up innovation from those who know the real processes.[2]

Applications in Digital Marketing and Automation

In digital marketing, AI agents will analyze social trends in real-time, personalizing campaigns with surgical precision. For business automation, they will manage document flows, compliance, and sales forecasting, freeing up human resources for strategy.[2]

A Help Net Security report confirms: over 80% use AI for code and testing, with an additional 20% under evaluation.[2] This moves AI from the laboratory to production, integrating it into ERP, CRM, and management tools.

Impact on Business: Opportunities and Challenges for Italian Companies

The adoption of AI in 2026 will have cross-cutting impacts on business, from process redesign to the creation of competitive value.

Automation and Operational Efficiency

In SMEs, edge AI integrated into management software will automate sales analysis, management control, and compliance, reducing times by 50-70%.[2] Professional firms will accelerate legal opinions and contracts thanks to prompt mindset.[1]

For digital marketing, autonomous agents will optimize PPC budgets, A/B testing, and content generation, maximizing ROI with on-device data for privacy-compliant personalization.[2]

New Organizational Models

The hybrid “vive working” will require upskilling: courses on agency will transform teams into AI “supervisors,” as outlined by Poletti.[1] Companies that invest in these skills will see productivity +30-40%, according to Anitec-Assinform benchmarks.[1]

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Not all is rosy: the transition requires change management. Companies must audit processes to identify AI quick-wins, such as reporting automation or predictive analytics.[2] Investing in training (prompt engineering bootcamps) and edge-ready tools is a priority.

For digital marketing, edge AI enables offline hyper-local campaigns, crucial for physical retail. Examples: real-time footfall analysis on POS devices for dynamic promotions.

Sector Case Studies

• Manufacturing: Edge AI on sensors predicts failures, reducing downtime by 25%.
• Professional Services: Agency for automating tax compliance.
• Digital Marketing: Agents that manage multi-channel campaigns autonomously.[2][1]

These evolutions position Italy as an AI hub, with billion-dollar spending generating 100,000+ skilled jobs by the end of the decade.

Preparing for 2026: Practical Roadmap for Companies and Professionals

1. AI-Ready Audit: Map processes for AI-fit (3-6 months).
2. Core Training: Courses on Poletti's three skills (prompt, agency, vive working).
3. Pilot Edge AI: Test on-device tools such as Qualcomm chipsets.
4. Scale Agents: From prototypes to production, monitoring ROI.[1][2]

The “wow” effect fades: 2026 is the era of concrete utility, where AI amplifies business resilience.[2] For the Italian fabric, familiarizing with these tools and rethinking organizational models is the key to global leadership.