Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes: No need to pause AI development

Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes has stated that there is no logical reason to pause the development of artificial intelligence, despite growing calls for a slowdown in the industry. Speaking at the Atlassian Team Europe 2026 event, Cannon-Brookes argued that global geopolitical competition makes a halt in AI progress impossible, as nations race to maintain technological advantages. He emphasized that Atlassian remains committed to its current development lifecycle, focusing on the productivity and efficiency gains offered by AI agents. While acknowledging the challenges surrounding trust and the integration of AI into critical business workflows, Cannon-Brookes maintained a pragmatic stance. He suggested that rather than wishing for a different global landscape, companies must adapt to the reality of rapid AI advancement. Atlassian continues to position itself as a key player in enterprise software, prioritizing transparency and the development of trusted, collaborative AI agents for its customers.