As the digital landscape continues to evolve, information systems (IS) research is expanding into new territories driven by technological, economic, and societal changes. Researchers are no longer focused solely on systems design or enterprise applications – they’re looking how information systems intersect with AI ethics, sustainability, cybersecurity, and human behavior. This article outlines key emerging topics expected to define the future of IS research in 2026 and beyond.
AI-Driven Systems
Artificial intelligence is not just a tool – it’s becoming a core element of IS architecture. Future research will focus on how AI integrates with information systems across industries. Key areas include:
- Adaptive decision support systems
- Human-AI collaboration in enterprise software
- Explainable AI within IS frameworks
- Responsible AI implementation in system workflows
Research will likely address challenges around data bias, interpretability, and ethical system design as AI becomes embedded in decision-making systems.
Sustainability
Sustainability is gaining traction as a critical research focus. Information systems play a central role in tracking, managing, and improving environmental and social impacts.
Relevant IS research topics include:
- Green IT and energy-efficient system design
- Information systems for environmental monitoring
- Blockchain for supply chain transparency
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) data integration
As governments and businesses adopt sustainability mandates, IS researchers will be key contributors to systems that enable compliance and ethical decision-making.
Cybersecurity Resilience
Cybersecurity will continue to be a high-priority area, but the focus is shifting from prevention to resilience. With more organizations accepting that breaches are inevitable, research is now exploring how systems can detect, recover from, and adapt to cyber threats.
Future research may involve:
- Self-healing systems and real-time threat response
- Security-by-design in cloud and IoT systems
- Behavioral IS approaches to cybersecurity awareness
- Integration of risk analytics with enterprise systems
These directions require both technical solutions and human-centered strategies to strengthen trust and system resilience.
Human-Tech Interaction
As IS tools become more embedded in daily life, research is evolving toward understanding human-technology interaction on deeper levels. This includes psychological, behavioral, and cultural dimensions.
Key areas include:
- Digital well-being and information overload
- Cognitive load in system use
- Adaptive user interfaces based on real-time feedback
- Diversity and inclusion in system accessibility
Researchers are also exploring how to design systems that are more empathetic and supportive of mental health in digital workplaces.
Data Ethics and Governance
With data becoming the foundation of all IS, governance and ethics are more important than ever. The future of IS research will address how organizations manage data responsibly, transparently, and legally.
Emerging themes include:
- AI auditing tools and fairness testing
- Cross-border data governance frameworks
- Algorithmic accountability
- Citizen data ownership and participation
This area will increasingly require interdisciplinary collaboration with law, ethics, and public policy scholars.
Decentralized Systems
The rise of blockchain and decentralized technologies is shifting how systems are built and governed. IS research is beginning to address the implications of moving from centralized platforms to distributed architectures.
Topics to watch include:
- Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)
- Token-based economic models in digital platforms
- Peer-to-peer data sharing systems
- Governance of blockchain networks
The decentralized model poses new challenges in trust, control, and scalability that IS researchers are only beginning to explore.
Hybrid Work Systems
The post-pandemic shift to hybrid work has changed how organizations approach collaboration, system access, and digital infrastructure. IS research is now focused on understanding how to support this new normal.
Relevant topics include:
- Virtual collaboration tools and employee engagement
- Cybersecurity in remote work environments
- Performance monitoring and digital trust
- Technology’s role in organizational culture shift
This area blends technical infrastructure with human behavior and leadership models, offering a rich field for future exploration.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Information systems research is becoming more interdisciplinary, drawing from fields like psychology, data science, environmental science, public health, and economics. Future research will involve:
- Multi-method research designs
- Cross-sector system development (e.g., health-tech, edu-tech)
- Joint research funding and international collaborations
This evolution ensures that IS research remains adaptable and relevant to complex, real-world challenges.
The future of information systems research is moving far beyond databases and software development. It is becoming a dynamic, interdisciplinary field addressing pressing issues like sustainability, ethics, resilience, and inclusivity. As 2026 approaches, these emerging topics will redefine how systems are designed, implemented, and studied across industries and societies.
FAQs
What is a key IS trend for 2026?
AI integration and explainability are major upcoming themes.
Will sustainability impact IS research?
Yes, green IT and ESG systems are gaining importance.
Why is human-tech interaction a focus?
Systems must adapt to user behavior and digital well-being.
Is cybersecurity still a research priority?
Yes, with more focus on resilience and self-healing systems.
What role does data ethics play?
It ensures fair, legal, and transparent use of information.