Forrester Lists 2025's Top 10 Emerging Tech: AI Shifts from Experiments to Business Imperatives

Forrester, a global leader in research and consulting, recently released its latest report highlighting the top ten emerging technologies that will shape the business landscape by 2025. The report emphasizes that by 2025, enterprises will no longer be merely experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) but will strive to keep pace with its rapid advancements. Chief Research Officer Sharyn Leaver stresses the importance of prioritizing technologies that offer the greatest benefits for business growth, innovation, and competitive advantage amid ongoing geopolitical instability. Short-Term Impact (1-2 Years) AI Agents: This advanced form of automation enables systems to make goal-oriented decisions independently, significantly boosting operational efficiency. Privacy-Protecting Computing: Ensures data privacy during processing, aligning with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Trustworthy AI: Reduces bias and enhances transparency, making AI a trusted asset for businesses. Multimodal Recognition: Improves the accuracy and usability of AI systems by utilizing multiple data sources such as sound and images. Adaptive Cybersecurity: Enhances digital security by dynamically adjusting defenses to counter evolving threats. Medium-Term Impact (2-5 Years) Quantum Computing: Although still experimental, quantum computing holds promise to solve problems beyond the capabilities of traditional computers, particularly in materials science and drug development. Edge AI: By moving AI processing to the network edge, this technology reduces latency and enhances real-time decision-making. Integrated AR: In industrial and medical settings, augmented reality (AR) can significantly improve worker and doctor efficiency. Advanced Biometrics: Improves security and simplifies user identity verification with more sophisticated biometric techniques. Wearable Health Devices: Continuously monitor health conditions and provide personalized medical advice and services. Long-Term Impact (At Least 5 Years) Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): While far from realization, AGI has the potential to revolutionize business operations and become a foundational technology in the future. Forrester’s report underscores the shift from AI experimentation to essential deployment, driven by the increasing need for operational efficiency and competitive edge. The company predicts that by 2025, enterprises will actively pursue AI advancements to stay ahead of the curve. A particular focus is on Agentive AI, which goes beyond generative models by making autonomous and contextually aware decisions, enhancing processes in customer service, supply chain management, and financial transactions. Global Technology Investment Surge Forrester anticipates a substantial increase in global technology spending, reaching $4.9 trillion by 2025, up from $4.7 trillion in 2024—a growth rate of 5.6%. Key drivers include the rapid adoption of software, IT services, generative AI (GenAI), and cloud computing. Asia-Pacific and North America are expected to lead this growth, reflecting their commitment to technological innovation and digital transformation. European E-Commerce Market Growth The report also projects robust growth in the e-commerce markets of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. These countries’ total online sales are forecast to grow at an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%, from €389 billion in 2024 to €565 billion by 2029. By 2029, e-commerce is expected to account for nearly 21% of retail sales in these markets, up from 16% in 2024. This trend highlights the growing importance of digital channels in European retail. Challenges in Technological Innovation While emerging technologies present vast opportunities, Forrester identifies geopolitical uncertainty as a significant challenge for enterprises. Navigating this uncertainty and making informed tech investments are crucial for sustainable growth. Enterprises must stay vigilant about market and technological shifts, developing flexible strategies to adapt to potential changes. Expert Evaluation and Company Background Forrester’s predictions have garnered significant attention from industry experts, who value the company's deep insights and forward-thinking perspectives. As a Nasdaq-listed firm (FORR), Forrester is renowned for its comprehensive analysis and strategic guidance, helping businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving market. The company’s ability to identify and interpret emerging trends makes its reports highly influential for technology leaders aiming to stay ahead of the competition. Forrester’s report provides a clear roadmap for enterprises looking to harness the power of emerging technologies. It highlights the critical role AI, particularly Agentive AI, will play in transforming business operations and the necessity of strategic investments in privacy, security, and innovative tools like quantum computing and edge AI. By emphasizing both short-term gains and long-term prospects, Forrester ensures that businesses are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of technological change and geopolitical challenges, ultimately driving growth and maintaining a competitive edge. Industry insiders concur with Forrester’s findings, recognizing the importance of understanding and leveraging these technologies to succeed. Forrester’s reputation as a leading market research firm, backed by its robust analytical capabilities and strategic consultancy, makes its projections a valuable resource for tech and business leaders. The report not only outlines the direction businesses should take but also underscores the accelerating pace of technological progress and the broad impact it will have across various sectors. Embracing these innovations is essential for any enterprise aiming to remain at the forefront of global markets.