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The Transformation of Partner Programs and Ecosystems

Publisher IDC
Published Feb 02, 2026
Length 5 Pages
SKU # IDC20844931

Description

This IDC Market Note highlights the five critical trends shaping the market and the strategic implications and offers key takeaways to remain competitive in the AI era.The partner ecosystem is undergoing a fundamental transformation as agentic AI, stricter data governance, new service delivery models, workforce evolution, and heightened expectations for trust and responsible AI redefine how partners create value. This shift moves partners away from transactional sales toward outcome-driven, data-centric, and collaborative service models that leverage marketplaces, platforms, and alliances. Success now depends on advanced AI capabilities, robust compliance and security, modular and scalable offerings, continuous workforce enablement, and operationalizing ethical AI practices. Vendors and partners that adapt to these trends and invest in co-innovation, enablement, and trust will be best positioned for leadership in the next era of technology partnerships.

Table of Contents

5 Pages

Executive snapshot

Key takeaways

In this Market Note

Key market trends and strategic implications

AI and agentic AI: Shifting the value proposition

Market dynamics

Strategic implications

Data readiness, governance, and digital sovereignty

Market dynamics

Strategic implications

Modular, platform-enabled, and outcome-based service delivery

Market dynamics

Strategic implications

Workforce transformation and human–AI collaboration

Market dynamics

Strategic implications

Trust, security, and responsible AI

Market dynamics

Strategic implications

IDC's Point of View

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Related research

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