Emerging technologies are flooding the healthcare space, and healthcare organizations (HCOs) are struggling to keep up. My upcoming research on the top emerging technologies in healthcare for 2025 will help healthcare leaders prioritize what matters most — now and in the future.

HCOs are under constant pressure to improve clinical outcomes and workforce retention amid budget constraints and market volatility. They’re sifting through a multitude of vendors and tech offerings, trying to solve big problems efficiently while building sustainable and versatile technical infrastructure. The opportunity is clear: HCOs can transform clinical workflows to prepare for next-gen experiences and operations. The challenge? Every new tech — agentic AI, generative AI, and synthetic data, to name a few — demands more time, resources, and maintenance.

This research will help you answer the questions: “What technologies do I need to care about today?” and (equally important) “Which ones can wait?” The research will identify the emerging technologies that HCOs should invest in — and when — by mapping them across three benefit horizons: short-term (proven ROI in <2 years), medium-term (evolving potential in 2–5 years), and long-term (5-plus years to deliver tangible value). As we enter the era of intelligent healthcare organizations, vendor partnerships and strategic planning are more critical than ever. Here’s what digital healthcare leaders can do now:

  • Assess current tech maturity. Not every HCO is ready for every innovation — review your current tech stack to identify areas of low maturity or concern. Focus on what aligns with your mission and capabilities, then develop a roadmap to evolve your technology.
  • Pilot strategically. Use proofs of concept to test emerging technologies in low-risk environments. Identify measurable outcomes to assess the success of these pilots and create a plan for wider implementation.
  • Build cross-functional coalitions. Emerging tech success depends on collaboration between IT, clinical, policy, and operations. Ensure that you’ve established relationships with key stakeholders across the HCO and can clearly communicate the risks and benefits of the technology.
  • Invest in talent and governance. New tools require new skills — and new rules. Governance and adherence to policy is critical for HCOs, as trust and reliability are key factors in the customer and employee experience. Build comprehensive governance policies and a long-term strategy to implement these technologies.

Get Involved

Over the next month, we will be conducting interviews with leaders at HCOs on emerging technologies in healthcare. We’d love to hear your view! If you would like to participate in our research, please contact Shannon Germain Farraher (sgermain@forrester.com).