Forrester’s upcoming predictions for 2025 emphasise the need for enterprises to synchronize their data and AI strategies with business objectives. The firm says tech leaders will focus on strengthening partnerships with chief data officers to ensure AI serves as a comprehensive business strategy.
“AI continues to dominate conversations... but now the focus is on how to get the quickest return on AI investment,” says Stephanie Balaouras, VP and group research director at Forrester.
Nearly 90% of global tech decision-makers anticipate increased investments in data infrastructure and governance. However, they will adopt a pragmatic approach to AI, prioritizing applications like predictive maintenance, customer personalization, and supply chain optimization over generative AI (GenAI) due to evolving customer expectations.
Notable research highlights include:
The state of high-performance IT, 2024: This report reveals that high-performance IT organizations are 1.8 times more likely to achieve faster growth and enhanced customer loyalty. Businesses are increasingly demanding stronger results from their IT departments amid complex economic dynamics.
Ten more top emerging technologies for 2024: Following an initial list, this report identifies additional technologies—including aerial drones, AI chips, and sustainability management tools—that promise substantial ROI over the next two years.
Deploy AI-augmented enterprise business applications securely: This research addresses the AI trust gap, providing guidelines on key requirements and best practices for integrating AI-augmented business applications into enterprise strategies.
Vector databases explode on the scene: As GenAI progresses, the necessity for modern data platforms is critical. This study explores the importance of vector databases, detailing their growing use cases and the need for investment in this area during the ongoing GenAI revolution.
In summary, the year ahead will centre on practical AI implementations that align closely with business strategies, helping enterprises maximize their investments and meet evolving expectations. The insights shared at the summit will guide tech leaders in navigating this complex landscape effectively.