Healthcare technology management (HTM) is at the threshold of a new era, as health systems navigate financial pressures, regulatory uncertainty, and rapid technological change. In the new year, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, automation, and deep digital integration will redefine how organizations manage medical devices, secure their operations, and build a resilient workforce.
The healthcare industry will continue to face mounting cybersecurity risks, escalating workforce shortages, and the imperative to align technology investments with clinical and fiscal priorities. The most successful health systems in 2026 will meet these challenges by shifting HTM from a behind-the-scenes function to a strategic orchestrator, to drive innovation, operational agility, and measurable impact. While defensive strategies will be more critical than ever in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape, winning HTM organizations will leverage AI not just to protect, but to operate strategically on offense.
AI-driven solutions will accelerate operational efficiency and device uptime
Health systems are facing mounting financial strain with tight margins, regulatory uncertainty & volatility, and capital constraints. AI adoption will increasingly become a strategic lever for cost containment, revenue generation, and operational resilience. According to one estimate, AI, traditional machine learning, and deep learning are projected to result in net savings of $200-$360 billion in healthcare spending.
To realize benefits for patients, staff, and the organization itself, health systems should strategically implement AI-driven solutions strongly aligned with their operational goals. Predictive failure detection, embedded directly into workflows, could virtually eliminate costly unplanned downtime and emergency repairs. This will increase patient satisfaction and reduce lost revenue by preventing appointment cancelations or rescheduling. By integrating real-time location system (RTLS) data, device telemetry, and utilization metrics into AI models, health systems can optimize their asset management—minimizing unnecessary capital purchases and maximizing return on investment.
As technologies rapidly progress, AI-powered tools will automate documentation, vendor coordination, and other administrative tasks, allowing biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) to focus on high-value, strategic work. Meanwhile, AI assistants and virtual tech support will empower technicians with real-time guidance, further enhancing efficiency and device availability. AI will act as a force multiplier for technicians, enabling their work to be more impactful, scalable, and efficient than ever before.
AI is becoming foundational to HTM operations. Throughout the coming years, the private sector and regulators must focus on data quality, prioritize model transparency, and establish guardrails to ensure AI is deployed responsibly.
Cybersecurity risk will continue to dominate HTM priorities
The rise of software-defined and AI-enabled devices guarantees cybersecurity risk management will once again dominate HTM priorities throughout 2026.
Dynamic risk scoring frameworks will be essential for identifying and prioritizing high-risk assets, while machine learning-based anomaly detection will play a critical role in uncovering emerging cyberthreats. To keep pace, health systems can consider partnering with HTM teams with specialized cybersecurity training and resources, equipping themselves to manage vulnerabilities and ensure regulatory compliance.
One of the top regulatory imperatives must be the continued strengthening of policies that support cybersecurity across the entire medical device ecosystem. This includes establishing clearer, more enforceable requirements for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide timely patches—both for new devices and also for the millions already in service. These policies and requirements will help ensure every asset is protected in an evolving threat landscape.
Escalating workforce shortages will drive demand for cross-training and tech-enabled support
In 2026, the HTM industry faces a critical talent gap, shaped by a wave of retirements, limited training pipelines, and the rising complexity of medical devices. Many experienced BMETs are older than 55 and expected to retire soon, which will create a severe experience gap that organizations may struggle to fill. With only about 400 new BMETs graduating annually, far fewer than the thousands needed each year, demand is rapidly outpacing supply.
To address this challenge, health systems should prioritize cross-training, equipping HTM professionals with hybrid skills in IT, cybersecurity, and analytics to manage increasingly interconnected device ecosystems.
Partnering with an organization that can offer technicians the latest training and technologies will help attract and retain talent. When clinical engineering teams have access to automated documentation, automated test results, smart work order prioritization, and centralized work order information, they can focus on the highest value work. As newer BMETs enter the field, these advanced tools can help them build knowledge and gain experience. Health systems should take advantage of AI’s ability to synthesize complex equipment manuals into concise, actionable worklists, helping technicians quickly understand tasks and build knowledge on the job.
HTM will deeply integrate into enterprise digital and clinical operations
Regulatory and policy changes are the top strategic priorities for U.S. healthcare leaders in 2026, according to Deloitte. As health systems contend with this regulatory uncertainty, the role of HTM is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer limited to equipment upkeep, HTM will continue to shift into a central force in shaping organizational strategy and driving operational agility. This transition is fueled by the need for smarter, faster decision-making in the face of tariffs, reimbursement changes, and supply chain volatility & shortages.
This year, HTM professionals will continue to extend their influence in capital planning—helping health systems navigate policy changes and supply chain disruptions. HTM will also play a vital role in executive decision-making, where AI-powered insights can guide innovation, risk mitigation, and resource optimization. In a time when supply chain shocks have the potential to disrupt care, the ability to forecast needs and diversify suppliers is more important than ever. Strong industry partnerships and a commitment to data-driven practices will empower health systems to anticipate challenges, secure critical resources, and maintain reliable, high-quality care. Increasingly, HTM teams will also need to work together with IT and cybersecurity experts to ensure technology investments support clinical excellence, resilient networks, and fiscal responsibility.
Health systems that fully embrace advanced analytics and AI for device security, maintenance, and lifecycle management will be most equipped to prevent failures, minimize downtime, and deliver better patient outcomes in the new year. By investing in cross-disciplinary training, AI-powered solutions, and technology-driven strategies, organizations can navigate financial uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and talent shortages with greater agility.
As HTM continues to expand its influence, the opportunity is clear: those who leverage comprehensive data and innovative tools will strengthen operational & financial resilience and ensure quality & reliability in patient care.
In this ever-changing healthcare landscape, prioritizing data-driven decision-making and proactively adopting advanced technologies will position health systems to achieve lasting success in 2026 and the years ahead.
Editor’s Note: Neil provides strategic leadership to TRIMEDX as it advances its clinical asset management solutions, expands technology-enabled services, and enhances its impact on healthcare. A seasoned executive with decades of experience in healthcare technology and services, he has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
Before joining TRIMEDX, Neil served as CEO of Optum Insight and previously was CEO and President of Change Healthcare and held leadership roles at Oracle Corporation and IBM. He has also been a senior advisor at Blackstone Group and serves on the Board of CCC Intelligent Solutions. Neil leads TRIMEDX at a pivotal time as the company builds upon its strong foundation, investing in technology and data-driven insights to better serve its healthcare partners. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and an MBA from Northeastern University.
Neil was the Chairman and a long-time executive committee member of the Healthcare Leadership Council in Washington, D.C., and a Board member of the Nashville Healthcare Council.