Technology, media, and telecom companies are entering the second half of 2026 amid unprecedented disruption. AI is reshaping competitive dynamics, challenging long-established business models, and creating pressure to adapt at a pace many organizations have never experienced before. But for companies willing to rethink how they create and capture value, these shifts are also creating significant opportunities.
In our latest video, Simon-Kucher Partner and Global Head of Technology, Media & Telecom Sara Yamase shares her perspective on the trends shaping the sector and the priorities leadership teams should focus on through 2026 and beyond. Drawing on conversations with organizations across the TMT landscape, she explores how companies are responding to disruption while positioning themselves for future growth.
The trends shaping the TMT sector
AI is transforming every part of the TMT ecosystem. Software companies are facing growing pressure as AI makes it faster and easier to build capabilities that once required significant investment and development resources. Telecom providers continue to grapple with increasing commoditization, while media organizations are competing in an increasingly fragmented content landscape.
As these pressures intensify, many companies are focusing on two priorities: protecting the core business while expanding into new areas of growth. This is driving new partnerships, platform strategies, and business model innovation across the sector as organizations look for ways to strengthen their market position and remain competitive.
Key takeaways from the video
Where the growth opportunities are
- Partnerships are becoming an important source of growth, with telecom providers, cloud platforms, software companies, and service providers working together to create new value propositions.
- Organizations are expanding beyond traditional product offerings and building broader platforms, solutions, and ecosystems.
- New connectivity models and AI-enabled services are creating opportunities to enter adjacent markets and unlock new revenue streams.
What leaders should prioritize
- Balance the need to defend existing revenue streams with investments in future growth opportunities.
- Accelerate commercial transformation to ensure business models remain relevant in a rapidly changing market.
- Build the organizational infrastructure and go-to-market strategies needed to support new pricing and monetization approaches.
What's next for AI in TMT?
- AI is accelerating disruption across the sector, forcing companies to reassess how they compete and create value.
- New monetization models, including usage-based and outcome-based pricing, are gaining momentum as traditional subscription models come under pressure.
- Organizations must adapt quickly while remaining thoughtful about governance, risk, and long-term implications.
The TMT sector is entering a period defined by transformation, opportunity, and continuous change. Organizations that evolve their business models, embrace new partnerships, and move decisively in response to disruption will be best positioned for growth. Watch the full video to hear Sara’s insights on the strategic priorities shaping the TMT sector through 2026 and beyond.
Watch the full video