As budget season approaches for data leaders, the article emphasizes the importance of strategic investments in 2026 to adapt to rapidly changing AI technologies. It outlines key recommendations, including creating API infrastructures, investing in solution architect roles, and enhancing data governance practices to prepare for a future where AI agents play a significant role in business processes.

The article highlights the importance of a practical "human in the loop" framework in AI systems, emphasizing that effective human intervention requires genuine authority, time to think, and a comprehensive understanding of the context. It contrasts the historical example of Stanislav Petrov's critical decision during the Cold War with contemporary AI implementations that often lack these essential qualities, advocating for a structured approach to enhance human effectiveness in AI interactions.