4 Strategy Trends You Shouldn’t Ignore in 2026

AI is turning scenario planning into a living system that can map dozens of possible futures in seconds.

Leaders are using machine learning to test assumptions, model risks, and simulate how variables like competitor moves, regulatory changes, or consumer behavior could play out.

👉 Real-world example:

Unilever has adopted AI-driven scenario planning to assess environmental impacts and supply chain risks. By stress-testing strategies against global disruptions, they’ve strengthened both business continuity and ESG performance.

✅ What you can do:

• Test AI tools that generate “what if” business scenarios.
• Use machine learning to detect strategic blind spots fast.
• Explore tools like Fable or Forethought for smarter planning sessions.

Not long ago, strategy was something crafted in the boardroom, polished in PowerPoints, and then “rolled out” to everyone else. In 2025, that model is too slow. Markets shift in weeks, not years. The companies that keep up are the ones that turn strategy into a shared responsibility, not a top-down directive.

That’s why more organizations are experimenting with agile strategy squads: small, cross-functional groups that bring together marketing, product, finance, ops, and data leads around one mission.

The payoff?

• Decisions happen closer to the work, without endless handovers.

• Teams feel ownership of the strategy they’re executing.

• Feedback loops between planning and action shrink dramatically.

👉 Real-world example:

Spotify is one of the most famous examples. Its squads and tribes model has allowed it to scale globally without losing agility—each team owns part of the customer journey and can act on it in near real time.

✅ What you can do:

• Form pods around key initiatives (e.g. market expansion, new customer segment).
• Give pods autonomy and access to data, not just tasks.
• Rotate members to increase strategic literacy across departments.

Customers aren’t just the focus of strategy anymore: they’re part of building it.

Leading businesses are involving users in roadmaps, innovation workshops, and even purpose definition.

👉 Real-world example:

LEGO Ideas invites fans to submit and vote on new product concepts. Winning ideas go to market, turning customers into true co-creators and strengthening loyalty.

✅ What you can do:

• Build co-creation into quarterly planning (invite customers to workshops).
• Use structured feedback tools like Maze, Typeform, or Reframer to test messaging or features before launch.
• Involve community leaders or power users as strategic advisors.

Today, companies are expected to be accountable for their choices around sustainability. Customers, employees and partners expect environmental, social, and governance (ESG) to be priorities when it comes to a business’s core strategy.

👉 Real-world example:

Patagonia integrates environmental stewardship into everything it does, from supply chain sourcing to marketing campaigns. Profit and purpose aren’t competing goals—they’re mutually reinforcing.

✅ What you can do:

• Map how ESG goals link to your product, brand, and culture.
• Use standards like B Corp, SDGs, or GRI to guide reporting and integration.
• Treat ESG initiatives like business strategy, not charity.

If you’re ready to deepen your strategic toolkit and get hands-on with frameworks, foresight, and innovation, check out these Hyper Island strategy courses:

• 🚀 Future Scenarios Learn scenario planning, trend-analysis, and how to anticipate risks & opportunities to guide long-term strategy. 
• 🔮 Future Foresight Dive into futures thinking, speculative design methods, trend spotting, and how to use emerging tools (including AI) for scenario work.  
• 🎯 Design Thinking for Innovation Unlock unpredictable challenges, tap into creativity, and drive innovation using the human-centered approach 

• 🌍 Master's Degree in Digital Management Deep dive into the creative mindset, strategic thinking, and visionary leadership with this 15-month master’s degree, accredited by Teesside University (UK). Part-time and online to fit your busy schedule!