The October 2026 edition of The Edge of What’s Next examines emerging trends shaping the strategic environment for innovation and R&D. This quarter, the report explores three key developments:
- Redefining Ambition: How Gen Z is Reshaping Career Expectations
- The Return of Intelligent Risk Taking
- Prediction Markets Move from Speculation to Innovation Intelligence
- The Human Cost of Hyperconnected Work
- R&D Leaders are Becoming Advocates for Science
- When a Breakthrough Product Becomes a Diversification Challenge
Each trend looks beyond what is happening today to consider what it could mean for R&D organizations, from developing talent and preserving scientific expertise to navigating the growing physical and societal demands of AI. The report also provides strategic questions for innovation leaders and additional trends IRI will continue to watch.
