The Deep Tech Index 2026

What does it take to win with radical innovation?

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A benchmark for the corporate mavericks determined to shape tomorrow

Welcome to a different kind of report for a different kind of CXO. The Deep Tech Index 2026 is a first-of-a-kind report where global leaders dissect their innovation challenges to shine a light on what’s standing between ambition and breakthrough – and what it takes to prevail.

We invite you to digest it, measure yourself against it, and chart your progress on this moving frontier.

“My hope is that the Deep Tech Index encourages you to think bigger, act with confidence and build the capabilities needed to compete on a frontier that is constantly moving. I firmly believe that the leaders who grasp the compounding value of deep tech will be the ones who discover new ways to win – and leave a legacy for the next era of progress.”

Richard Traherne

CEO, Cambridge Consultants

Inside the minds of innovation leaders

senior leaders surveyed

A global view of innovation readiness across Europe, US and APAC.

in-depth interviews

Insights from those responsible for setting the boardroom agenda and delivering business outcomes.

industries benchmarked

A cross-sector view of the opportunities, barriers and behaviours shaping innovation decisions.

Innovation dimensions explored

From leadership and culture to financial pressures, organisational readiness, operational agility and external forces. 

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Multipage deep tech self assessment

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1) How important is innovation to you personally?

2) How innovative are you as a leader?

3) How energised do you personally feel when working on innovation initiatives?

4) How comfortable are you with the risk in terms of uncertainty and ambiguity that innovation requires?

5) How confident are you in your ability to champion innovation within your organisation?

6) How willing are you to challenge long-standing assumptions or norms in your business?

7) How personally accountable do you feel for driving innovation outcomes?

1) Do you think technology innovation is only relevant to tech companies or something you can do yourself?

2) Does your organisation lean more towards incremental or radical innovation?

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Mike Dunkley Headshot

マイク ダンクリー

EVP & President, North America
ケンブリッジコンサルタンツ

The corporate swashbuckler

“One of the most encouraging findings in the Index is that leaders are not short of ambition. Across industries, there is an overwhelming belief in the importance of innovation and a strong sense of personal responsibility for making it happen. The focus now is on translating that intent into outcomes.

“The most effective innovators are rarely defined by a single mindset. They know when to challenge assumptions and when to build consensus. They can imagine boldly, navigate complexity and maintain momentum when uncertainty starts to slow progress. Different situations demand different strengths.

“This is the corporate maverick, or corporate swashbuckler as we like to call them. Daring individuals with the courage to venture into uncharted territory, exploring new possibilities and turning bold ideas into real-world impact. Vision, ambition and action are all essential, but the leaders who shape tomorrow understand when each is needed most.”

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