Traditional concerns — including data quality management, data security and privacy — remain top priorities, according to a report by international analyst firm BARC. New forces, such as the growth of AI legislation and the increased deployment of agentic systems, are also influencing data strategies and big data environments. In 2026, data leaders are seeking a sustainable balance between human and machine, cloud and on-premises deployments, large and small models, and basic computing architectures. Designing for balance — rather than chasing size, speed or novelty — is key to big data investments for 2026 and beyond.