Technology-led reinvention: From efficiency to intelligence
Across India’s core sectors, technology is no longer viewed merely as an enabler—it has become the foundation for value creation and competitiveness. In manufacturing, the rapid adoption of connected systems, industrial IoT and digital twins is accelerating the shift toward smart factories. PwC India’s Future of Manufacturing perspective highlights how firms are moving from pilot programs to enterprise-wide digital operations, driven by the need for resilience, quality and cost efficiency. The rise of AI agents capable of autonomous decision-making, workflow orchestration and cross-system intelligence, is strengthening this shift, enabling predictive maintenance, automated quality control and near-time supply chain optimization.
The energy ecosystem continues to undergo significant modernization as utilities adopt advanced grid management, forecasting tools and intelligent asset monitoring systems. In financial services, technology is redefining customer engagement and operational excellence. AI agents are enhancing fraud detection, accelerating credit decisions and strengthening customer experience at scale, while elevating the focus on ‘trust in AI’ as institutions ensure transparency, fairness and governance.
Healthcare is also entering a new phase of digitally enabled care—ranging from AI-assisted diagnostics to remote patient monitoring and integrated health platforms. With rising expectations for accessible care, trustworthy AI deployment will be essential to ensure responsible adoption and clinical confidence.
Across sectors, leaders who institutionalise digital capabilities—rather than treating them as adjacent initiatives—will set themselves apart in 2026.
Sustainability and energy transition: Moving from commitments to execution
Sustainability is no longer just a compliance requirement—it is now a strategic driver of investment, innovation and industry positioning. India’s pathway to net zero is influencing the choices businesses make today, especially in sectors where emissions intensity is high or supply chains are global.
In manufacturing, energy efficiency, circularity and low-carbon operations are becoming board-level priorities. Many large companies are investing in cleaner production technologies, renewable sourcing and sustainable procurement practices.
The automotive sector, influenced by a growing electric mobility ecosystem, is balancing its dual responsibilities of supporting India’s decarbonization goals while ensuring cost competitiveness. PwC’s Future of Mobility insights highlight that EV penetration will increase meaningfully as charging networks expand, supply chains localise and technology costs decline. Infrastructure development, too, is evolving to embed sustainability from the design stage—whether in green buildings, smart urban planning or climate-resilient transport systems. The focus is shifting from building more to building better and more responsibly.
The companies that move from commitments on paper to measurable progress will be the ones that remain competitive, attract capital and earn stakeholder trust in 2026.
Talent and workforce transformation: Building capability for tomorrow
Even as India’s industries undergo digital and sustainability transitions, a parallel challenge—and opportunity—lies in preparing the workforce for the future. Manufacturing organisations are rethinking skill requirements as automation and advanced technologies reshape shop-floor roles. Energy and infrastructure companies need specialised capabilities in areas such as grid modernization, project management and environmental analytics. The healthcare sector faces increased demand for digitally enabled care professionals and data-driven clinical roles.
Consumer and retail businesses are upskilling teams for omnichannel operations, supply chain analytics and personalized customer engagement. Financial services firms are building talent pools in AI, cybersecurity, analytics and product design to support their next phase of growth.
Reimagining businesses: Unlocking value in motion
A growing number of organizations are beginning to fundamentally reimagine their business models, shifting from efficiency-focused strategies to ‘value in motion’ approaches that create new revenue pools.
For example, consumer companies are building data-powered service ecosystems, while automotive players are exploring software-led revenue streams through connected mobility. This ability to reconfigure value continuously will determine long-term competitiveness.
As India shapes for a brighter tomorrow, the convergence of technology, sustainability and talent transformation will define its trajectory. The organizations that integrate these priorities cohesively will not only succeed in 2026 but will contribute meaningfully to building a stronger, more resilient and more competitive India – Kal ka Bharat.
(The writer is Partner and Chief Industries Officer, PwC India)