Brian Hopkins,

Brian Hopkins

VP, Emerging Technology & Principal Analyst

Brian’s research helps clients navigate technology innovation in AI and quantum computing. His work on AI value management provides insights into how companies can move from uncertainty to achieving real, measurable value over time. Brian’s research on AI computing offers a long-term perspective on how emerging AI capabilities (e.g., generative AI, agentic models, AI agents) will impact enterprises over the next 20 years. Brian is also pioneering Forrester’s research on artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its implications for AI safety as well as advising clients on the current state and future of quantum computing.

As VP of Emerging Technology, Brian leads Forrester’s flagship reports on emerging technologies, providing data-driven insights and frameworks to help enterprises prepare for the technology of tomorrow.

Research Coverage

Planned Research

What research can you expect from Forrester in the next 12 months? Updated biweekly, our publishing plan will keep you current with market and technology trends. Use the link below to download a list of our upcoming research.

Download Planned Research
April 21st, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:40 PM Webinar

The Top 10 Emerging Technologies In 2026

Staying on top of emerging technologies is crucial for tech executives to adapt and drive growth. While AI often captures the spotlight, there are a multitude of other emerging technologies that are gaining momentum and proving instrumental in helping enterprises rapidly respond to change and foster growth.Curious to know what these new emerging technologies are? Wondering why our analysts say that they’re crucial to succeeding in today’s dynamic landscape?Join us for one of the most highly anticipated webinars of the year, where we’ll unveil the top 10 emerging technologies for 2026. Be among the first to see the big reveal and gain analyst perspective on how to put these technologies to work for your enterprise. Key takeaways: Learn about the top 10 emerging technologies for 2026. Explore use cases and benefits of each technology. Understand how leveraging emerging technologies can help tech leaders respond to change. Discover which technologies didn’t make the list (and why).Target audience level: intermediate
May 19th, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:40 PM Webinar

Top Emerging Technologies For 2026: Agentic Software Development

Accelerate innovation with deeper insights about why agentic software development is important, when it will likely pay off, and how organizations are applying it today. Agentic software development uses AI agents to generate, refine, and orchestrate activities across the software development lifecycle, shifting teams from manual creation to agent orchestration. In this webinar, we share the latest expert insights, practical guidance, and key steps you and your team can take. Join us to learn how agent led software development lifecycles (SDLCs) will mature and how firms can prepare for scaled productivity gains.Key takeaways: Gain an understanding of how organizations use agentic tools across the SDLC.Identify development use cases where agent driven automation delivers value.Learn critical steps to implement agentic development responsibly and effectively.Target audience level: all levels
July 14th, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:40 PM Webinar

Top Emerging Technologies For 2026: Autonomous Transportation Technologies

Accelerate innovation with deeper insights about why autonomous transportation technologies are important, when they will pay off, and how they are being deployed today. These technologies combine AI, robotics, sensing, and connectivity to enable vehicles and mobility systems to operate with minimal human input, especially in controlled environments. In this webinar, we share expert insights, real world examples, and key steps you and your team can take. Join us to learn where autonomous transportation is creating value now and what it will take to scale safely.Key takeaways: Gain an understanding of current autonomous transportation deployments.Identify environments where autonomy delivers efficiency and safety gains.Learn practical steps to pilot and expand autonomous mobility solutions.Target audience level: all levels
August 4th, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:40 PM Webinar

Top Emerging Technologies For 2026: Agentic Commerce

Accelerate innovation with deeper insights about why agentic commerce is important, when it will likely pay off, and how others are beginning to use it. Agentic commerce brings AI agents into shopping and procurement experiences, enabling autonomous product discovery, recommendations, and transactions across owned and non-owned environments.In this webinar, we share the latest expert insights, practical considerations, and key steps you and your team can take with this emerging approach to buying and selling. Join us to learn how agentic commerce is evolving and how firms can prepare to unlock value while navigating trust, data, and ecosystem challenges.Key takeaways: Gain an understanding of how AI agents are reshaping commerce and procurement workflows.Identify use cases where agentic commerce can reduce friction and accelerate conversions.Learn the foundational steps required to enable safe, scalable adoption.Target audience level: all levels