If 2024 was the year when generative AI mastered writing text, 2026 is shaping up to be the year AI begins to perform real work. At CES 2026, the spotlight was not on flashy robots or giant screens but on a new wave of AI technology: agentic AI. These intelligent agents do more than answer questions—they take actions on behalf of users and brands. This change is reshaping how we search, interact with services, and manage workflows. From Conversational AI to Agentic AI Traditi

Technology often feels like a force moving forward on its own, driven by creativity and market demand. Yet, politics plays a crucial role in shaping how technology develops, which innovations gain traction, and how they impact society. Political decisions influence funding, regulation, international cooperation, and even the direction of research. Understanding this connection helps us see why some technologies flourish while others stall. Political Funding and Research Prior