The promise of neurosymbolic AI — which combines neural network pattern recognition with rule-based reasoning — will only be possible when underpinned by trusted, governed business context. Context has become a buzzword, with terms like semantics, ontology, semantic layer, knowledge graph, and context layer being used interchangeably. Enterprises need a clearer definition of what they are trying to build. After months of vendor and enterprise practitioner interviews, Forrester has formed this proposed definition:

A context layer is the next evolution of semantic layers and knowledge graphs, providing the foundation for neurosymbolic AI context engineering and agentic AI applications. It combines business semantics and governance of semantic layers with the ontological modeling of knowledge graphs. The context layer represents all enterprise knowledge across data, metadata, business concepts, policies, and processes through graph-based ontologies and linked context. In addition, it continuously incorporates runtime context such as events, decisions, actions, and outcomes, creating a living model of the enterprise that enables AI reasoning, automation, and decision intelligence.

Coverage Of Context Layer Platforms

Forrester has a well-developed view of how to evaluate semantic layer platforms. We recently initiated coverage of this market with a Forrester landscape report, planned for publication at the end of Q4 2026, which will then be followed by a Forrester Wave™ evaluation.

Context layer platforms will be harder to compare because the market does not yet map to a single architectural pattern. The vendors Forrester recently interviewed address very similar use cases but come from different technology heritages and base their platforms on different assumptions about data, metadata, semantics, governance, and AI runtime context. We currently see the market forming around two subcategories:

  • Platform- and business-application-focused context layer capabilities from business application providers and hyperscalers
  • General-purpose context layer capabilities within platforms coming from graph database, data catalog, metadata, semantic layer, and data lakehouse platform vendors

We would welcome your perspective. Please comment on social media, schedule a briefing, or request a research inquiry with me or Indranil.

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