Emerging Technology
Emerging technology is reshaping business models and how work gets done for customers and employees across industries and geographies. Today, emerging technologies extend beyond digital experiences as AI moves from experimentation into agent‑led systems and real‑world applications that can act with greater autonomy.
To leverage emerging technology effectively as part of business and digital transformation, leaders must continually assess the technology landscape to distinguish real innovation from overpromised concepts while also understanding the impact on governance, technical debt, operating models, and existing technology stacks. The challenge is knowing where to focus, when to invest, and how to scale responsibly.
Forrester provides research‑driven frameworks and insights to help organizations evaluate emerging technologies, build strong business cases, and turn innovation into measurable business value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as emerging technology?
Emerging technology is the practical application of new technical knowledge that is still developing or early in adoption but has the potential to disrupt markets or create new ones. These technologies may mature at different speeds and deliver value over short-, medium-, or long‑term horizons.
Why should businesses pay attention to emerging technology?
Emerging technology can unlock new growth, efficiency, and customer value if applied well. Paying attention early helps leaders anticipate disruption, prioritize investments, and avoid being caught off guard as technologies mature and reshape industries.
How can companies evaluate which emerging technologies to adopt?
Companies should evaluate emerging technologies based on business value, strategic fit, maturity, and risk. High‑performing organizations test technologies in real business contexts, pilot promising use cases, and scale only those that demonstrate clear impact rather than chasing every trend.
What challenges do organizations face in deploying emerging technologies?
Common challenges include skills gaps, immature ecosystems, integration complexity, and unclear regulatory or ethical standards. Many organizations also struggle with shiny object syndrome, investing too early or in the wrong use cases. Successful deployment requires governance, change management, and iterative learning.
How does Forrester support clients in navigating emerging technology?
Forrester helps leaders cut through the noise to focus on technologies that matter. Through research, roadmaps, and advisory support, Forrester guides clients in evaluating maturity, validating use cases, managing risk, and connecting emerging technologies to measurable business outcomes.