The Top BI & Analytics Trends for 2026

"Data Quality Management" Reclaims the #1 Spot in BARC’s BI and Analytics Trend Monitor

As organizations embrace AI and machine learning, move core operations to the cloud, and use BI data to uncover predictive insights, Data Quality Management remains a critical priority. 

In fact, this topic has ranked among the top two trends in BARC's annual Trend Monitor for the past five years. The 2026 results and return of Data Quality Management to the top of the list reflect organizations' steady focus on ensuring the data they access, review, and act upon is accurate and reliable. 

Download your copy of BARC's 2026 Trend Monitor to see the results of this year’s top 20 trends, including data security & privacy, AI governance, and more. Plus, get an overview of how each trend's rankings have evolved over the years. 

To develop this year's Data, BI & Analytics Trend Monitor, BARC polled 1,579 users, consultants, and vendors on the most important BI and analytics trends for 2026. 

The resulting report outlines the survey findings by company size, region, and industry. Along with a detailed analysis of each trend, it includes seven recommendations for applying these trends within your own organization and ongoing BI initiatives.

Download BARC’s Data, BI & Analytics Trend Monitor to Learn:

• Which top 20 BI & analytics trends will shape strategic objectives in 2026
• How trend rankings vary by organizations’ industry, region, and size
• Seven key recommendations for capitalizing on the top BI & analytics trends