Aprovechando los beneficios de la productividad impulsada por la IA en 2026

The global economy is on the cusp of a transformative shift driven by artificial intelligence (AI), with 2026 emerging as a pivotal year for infrastructure growth and labor market realignment. As AI transitions from experimental adoption to operational integration, sectors such as manufacturing, data centers, and construction are poised to deliver exceptional returns on investment (ROI). This analysis identifies high-ROI opportunities by examining how AI infrastructure expansion and labor dynamics are reshaping these industries, supported by authoritative data and projections.

1. Manufacturing: Smart Automation and Agentic AI Drive Efficiency

The manufacturing sector is undergoing a renaissance fueled by AI-driven automation and agentic AI systems. According to Deloitte, 80% of manufacturing executives plan to allocate 20% or more of their improvement budgets to smart manufacturing initiatives in 2026, focusing on automation hardware, data analytics, and cloud computing. These investments are projected to boost production output by up to 30% while reducing operational costs through predictive maintenance and real-time supply chain optimization.

Agentic AI, which enables autonomous reasoning and decision-making, is particularly transformative. It addresses critical challenges such as capturing institutional knowledge from retiring workers and streamlining equipment repair processes. For instance, AI-powered robotic systems are now capable of managing complex production tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing agility and resilience in global supply chains.

The economic impact of AI in manufacturing is staggering. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could add $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy by 2026 through productivity gains and cost reductions. This positions manufacturing as a high-ROI sector, particularly for firms investing in AI-driven infrastructure and workforce upskilling.

2. Data Centers: Explosive Growth and Energy Innovation

The data center industry is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by AI workloads and cloud computing. By 2026, global data center capacity is projected to double, with nearly 100 GW of new capacity added between 2026 and 2030. This expansion is fueled by hyperscalers such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google, which are collectively investing $602 billion in GPU-optimized cloud infrastructure.

However, this growth comes with significant energy challenges. AI data center energy use is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 43% until 2029, prompting a surge in investments for alternative power sources like small modular nuclear reactors and advanced cooling technologies. For example, immersion cooling and liquid cooling systems are becoming standard to manage the rising rack densities (now averaging 45 kW per rack).

The labor market in data centers is also evolving. With construction costs rising by 6% in 2026 to $11.3 million per MW, there is a critical need for skilled workers in trades like electricians and plumbers. Modular construction and offsite fabrication are creating new career pathways, particularly for Gen Z workers. Investors who prioritize partnerships with firms adopting AI-driven robotics and sustainable energy solutions will likely capture the highest ROI in this sector.

3. Construction: AI as a Foundation for Resilience and Scalability

The construction industry is leveraging AI to address long-standing challenges such as labor shortages and project complexity. By 2026, 41% of the current construction workforce is expected to retire, necessitating the recruitment of 499,000 new workers. AI is filling this gap by automating routine tasks like RFIs, meeting recaps, and risk identification, allowing project managers to focus on strategic decision-making.

Agentic AI is also revolutionizing back-office operations. AI-driven tools now handle financial forecasting, contract management, and compliance checking, streamlining workflows and reducing delays. For instance, predictive scheduling algorithms are improving project timelines by up to 20%, while AI-powered safety monitoring systems are cutting accident rates.

The ROI potential in construction is substantial. U.S. construction spending is projected to reach $2.05 trillion in 2026, with AI-driven infrastructure development accounting for a significant share. Firms adopting AI for data center construction, renewable energy projects, and digital facilities are expected to outperform peers by 15–25% in productivity metrics.

Conclusion: Strategic Investment in AI-Driven Sectors

The convergence of AI infrastructure growth and labor market disruption in 2026 presents a unique window for investors. Manufacturing, data centers, and construction are not only experiencing operational efficiency gains but also redefining ROI through automation, energy innovation, and workforce transformation.

To capitalize on these opportunities, investors should prioritize sectors with clear scalability and regulatory tailwinds. For example, data centers in Tier 2 markets with grid capacity and policy clarity offer lower risks and higher returns. Similarly, construction firms integrating agentic AI into project management and back-office functions are better positioned to navigate labor shortages and supply chain volatility.

As AI transitions from a disruptive force to an embedded operational layer, the firms and investors that align with its trajectory will dominate the next decade of economic growth.