Six signals for 2026 that leaders in government, technology and investment should act on now. A strategic view of geopolitics, trust and reputation as operating constraints.

Tech IPO valuations are soaring as SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic reshape markets. We need to think whether ambition, narrative and AI hype are driving sustainable value or a growing bubble.

The UK’s 2025 Budget raised taxes to historic highs but failed to reduce regulatory friction or unlock investment. Here is why these risks pose a long-term growth and why the narrative will impact how UK businesses see the benefit of investing.

Spain is transforming from a tourism-led economy to a European innovation powerhouse. Learn how its growth, strategy, and global perception are attracting investors, tech leaders, and governments worldwide.

AI is transforming consulting, but leaders still need human judgment and expertise. This is why strategists skilled in perception, reputation, and trust are essential to harness AI that builds confidence that drives growth.

Brent Hoberman’s question—“How good is the data that governments use to make choices?”—spotlights a deeper issue: it’s not just about the data, but the people and culture behind it. In this article I explore how risk aversion, silos, and bias hinder policy impact—and what leaders can do to fix it.

The rise of open-source LLMs like Deepseek’s R1 is disrupting the AI landscape, challenging proprietary models from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. As businesses and investors weigh the benefits of open-source AI—lower costs, greater customisation, and reduced vendor lock-in—governments are grappling with regulatory concerns, data sovereignty, and national security risks. In this blog I look at the strategic implications of this shift, outlining the risks, opportunities, and how companies, investors, and policymakers can navigate the rapidly evolving AI market.

The Stargate Project, a $500 billion initiative led by the U.S. government, SoftBank, and OpenAI, is set to redefine the global AI landscape. With cutting-edge infrastructure and support from tech giants like Microsoft, Arm, NVIDIA and Oracle, with investment from Softbank, Stargate aims to turbo-charge innovation across industries, from healthcare to energy and manufacturing. This transformative initiative offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses, investors, and governments worldwide. Discover how to navigate the risks, unlock strategic benefits, and position your company, start-up or investment portfolio at the forefront of this AI-driven revolution.

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism 2025 Trends Report outlines how AI and technology are changing the media landscape. Here are my recommendations on how businesses and governments must adapt their communication to reach better and engage with stakeholders, and rebuild trust.