A recent Forbes analysis outlines the major technological transformations and strategic “inflection points” expected to reshape the next decade, from 2026 to 2036. Over this period, advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, ubiquitous connectivity, and cyber-physical integration are predicted to fundamentally alter national security, enterprise risk management, and everyday life — pushing innovation faster than traditional institutions can adapt. The author argues that this mismatch between technological progress and institutional readiness will create vast opportunities but also intensify threats and regulatory challenges for governments, businesses, and society.
Artificial intelligence is projected to evolve from a supportive decision-making tool into an independent operational force. By the late 2020s, AI systems will increasingly operate with delegated authority, autonomously initiating actions, coordinating responses, and modifying plans. In cybersecurity and national defense, this shift could enable continuous threat surveillance and automated defense measures at scales beyond human capability, while malicious actors may exploit AI to create adaptive, polymorphic malware and launch rapid influence operations. As a result, the focus will increasingly be on AI governance — ensuring transparency, ethical compliance, and accountability — rather than just AI capacity.
Quantum computing is highlighted as another long-term disruption. Though large, fault-tolerant quantum computers may still be years away, their potential impact is already reshaping cybersecurity thinking. The risk that encrypted data could be harvested now and decrypted later under quantum advances is pushing organizations to adopt post-quantum cryptography. Beyond cybersecurity, quantum technology could drive breakthroughs in optimization, materials science, and logistics, giving early adopters a strategic edge while leaving slower nations and organizations vulnerable.
Other key inflection points include the reconfiguration of network security and identity, where identity (human, machine, or algorithmic) will replace fixed perimeter defenses; the increasing convergence of cyber and physical systems, making resilience and recovery as vital as prevention for critical infrastructure; and the evolution of supply chain risk management from compliance checklists to real-time intelligence. The analysis also warns that security considerations will expand into space and biotechnology, requiring multidisciplinary governance and resilience strategies. Successfully navigating these disruptions will demand visionary leadership, robust governance frameworks, and sustained collaboration across public and private sectors.
