As AI matures from generative to agentic intelligence, Forrester’s latest report outlines the top 10 emerging technologies that will deliver the greatest strategic value to enterprises — from IoT security and synthetic data to humanoid robots and GenAI for visual content.
SINGAPORE, 7 MAY 2025 – As businesses move from AI experimentation to full-scale deployment, Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) has released its Top 10 Emerging Technologies in 2025 report, providing a roadmap for organizations to harness the next wave of innovation while managing geopolitical and technological risks.
The research highlights the critical technologies expected to shape business outcomes across short-, mid-, and long-term horizons, helping decision-makers align their strategies for growth, innovation, and resilience in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
In the short term (within two years), technologies balancing AI acceleration with heightened security needs are expected to deliver immediate value. These include:
- IoT Security: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, IoT security will play a key role in safeguarding connected devices and critical data. Organizations with deeply integrated technology environments are expected to benefit the most.
- Synthetic Data: Introduced for the first time in Forrester’s annual list, synthetic data enables organizations to train AI models while improving data privacy and reducing regulatory risks. This technology is poised to benefit sectors such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, and the public sector.
In the mid-term (two to five years), several technologies are expected to mature and offer significant business value:
- Agentic AI: Representing a new frontier in AI evolution, agentic systems are designed to perform autonomous decision-making and business process automation. Though promising, these systems still require improvements in coordination, trust, and accuracy before achieving mainstream adoption.
- Generative AI for Visual Content: With the ability to create realistic images, videos, and motion graphics, this technology is transforming content creation in marketing, advertising, retail, and e-commerce. It enables highly personalized and immersive customer experiences.
In the long-term horizon (five years or more), Forrester identifies:
- Humanoid Robots: Appearing on the list for the first time, humanoid robots integrate advanced sensors, AI, and actuators to mimic human behavior and perform complex tasks. While the technology is advancing due to rapid developments in generative AI and cost-efficient hardware, adoption will be hindered by high development costs and integration challenges.
Forrester emphasizes that as AI continues to permeate every aspect of business operations, technology leaders must prioritize investments that not only accelerate innovation but also ensure long-term resilience and competitive advantage. The firms that act now to strategically adopt and integrate these emerging technologies will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital and unpredictable world.
The full Top 10 Emerging Technologies in 2025 report is available from Forrester’s official website and includes detailed analysis and guidance for enterprise leaders.
