Skip to content
Cora Systems Logo

Gartner® Identifies the Critical Headwinds Facing Manufacturing Leaders in 2026 

Download the report and get instant access to Gartner® complete analysis of the three critical headwinds threatening manufacturing progress — including detailed recommendations and strategic actions on navigating the next three years. 

Get the Report Now

Loading...
The Biggest Challenges Facing Manufacturing in 2026 Image

The Biggest Challenges Facing Manufacturing in 2026

The manufacturing industry is at a turning point. While AI and digital transformation offer huge opportunity, many organizations are struggling to move forward. Three major challenges are getting in the way.

According to Gartner,

"Over the next three years, manufacturing industry CIOs are facing three powerful headwinds that must be overcome to ensure forward progress: technical debt, ransomware attacks, and geopolitical disruption."

Three Major Manufacturing Headwinds to Watch in 2026

Cora Icon of a square with the letters "AI" inside, and eight lines attached to the square with circles at the end. The icon is in blue, purple, and pink.

Outdated Systems Are Slowing Things Down

Old and disconnected IT, operational and engineering systems are making it harder to scale AI and drive innovation.

Cora risk and Opportunity Management icon with a triangle and an exclamation mark, in blue, pink, and purple.

Cyberattacks Are Becoming More Targeted

Ransomware is no longer random — attackers are going after valuable data and critical production systems.

Cora decision making icon, Abstract geometric design with interconnected circles and dotted line, in a gradient of purple to pink.

Global Uncertainty Is Disrupting Operations

Tariffs, trade restrictions and data regulations are making supply chains more complex and harder to manage.

Access the full report now and learn:  Image

Access the full report now and learn: 

  • Why technical debt is no longer an "IT problem" — and how to make it a board-level priority 

  • How to assess and categorise technical debt across maintainability, security, and performance 

  • Why manufacturing is the #1 ransomware target globally — and what attackers are doing differently in 2026 

  • How to harden cyber-physical systems without disrupting production operations 

  • The geopolitical forces reshaping supply chains, AI access, and regulatory compliance 

  • How to use AI-enabled scenario planning and supply chain intelligence to navigate volatility 

  • Gartner specific, actionable recommendations for CIOs across all three headwind areas 

Read the full Report

GARTNER is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s Business and Technology organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from Cora.