Cross-Functional Priorities and Challenges 2026 Summary and Insights: Industry Comparison

Organizations across industries are entering 2026 with many of the same cross‑functional pressures: accelerating digital transformation, expanding use of AI, and growing expectations for seamless, end‑to‑end execution. To understand how these priorities and challenges vary by sector, APQC analyzed results from its Cross‑Functional Priorities and Challenges research through an industry lens. This article compares findings across industries to highlight where patterns diverge and where sector‑specific dynamics shape integration, skills, and readiness.