Computex2026 is over. The booths are packed up. The keynotes are done. What did we actually learn?

2026-06-10 · Source: McKinsey Insights & Publications · Field: Business & Management — Corporate Strategy & Leadership, Operations & Process Management · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

McKinsey's team at Computex 2026 in Taipei identified several key insights beyond typical headlines. Frank Chu noted Taiwan's central role in AI infrastructure, emphasizing a strategic shift from isolated hardware competition to ecosystem building for integrated solutions. Michael Chang clarified that AI represents a structural shift, not a fad, highlighting the ongoing challenge of embedding these technologies into daily operations and building future-proof tech stacks. Hsiao-Lu Denise Lee stressed that AI's transformative value emerges from core business processes, not the periphery, driven by human-technology collaboration. Companies must start integrating AI into core processes now to set the pace in three years. Pooya Nikooyeh revealed that even successful component suppliers are already planning for the "next pillar" beyond the current AI boom, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to sustained success.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and business leaders navigating AI strategy, recognize that the focus is shifting from raw hardware power to integrated ecosystems. You must prioritize embedding AI into your core business processes and future-proofing your tech stack, rather than just focusing on edge applications. Start identifying your core business processes for AI integration now to gain a competitive advantage and ensure your organization is prepared for the long-term structural shift and the "next pillar" beyond the current AI boom.

Key insights

AI's future success hinges on ecosystem integration, core business transformation, and proactive planning beyond the current boom.

Principles

• AI infrastructure demands ecosystem building.
• AI is a structural shift, requiring deep operational integration.
• Value comes from AI in core business processes.

In practice

• Shift strategy from isolated competition to collaboration.
• Embed AI into daily operating models and tech stacks.
• Identify and integrate AI into core business processes.

Topics

• AI Infrastructure
• Ecosystem Strategy
• Business Transformation
• AI Adoption
• Strategic Planning
• Computex 2026

Best for: VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, AI Product Manager, CTO, Executive, Consultant

Related on AIssential

• How an Organizational Shift Can Unlock Real Value from a Stalled AI Strategy - SPONSOR CONTENT FROM PUBLICIS SAPIENT — Integrating AI directly into core operational workflows is crucial for realizing scalable, outcome-driven enterprise value.
• The Chinese AI Economy — China's AI strategy prioritizes rapid deployment and ecosystem integration over frontier model competition.
• 😺ChatGPT is about to look completely different — OpenAI is consolidating its AI products into a "superapp" to dominate enterprise workflows and counter fragmentation.
• On theCUBE Pod: IBM Think goes AI first and Musk buries the hatchet with Anthropic — AI is transforming enterprise operating models, creating new roles and intensifying the demand for compute and integrated platforms.
• Ice cream giant builds AI-ready tech stack from scratch — Building an AI-ready tech stack requires clean data, strategic partnerships, and proactive change management.
• An Interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella About Finding Core Competencies — Microsoft aims to be a multi-tenant AI platform enabling enterprises to build custom "hill-climbing" learning machines.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by McKinsey Insights & Publications.