Forrester reveals top 10 emerging technologies for 2024

Forrester has published its list of the top 10 emerging technologies for 2024, offering a detailed analysis to help business and technology leaders determine when investing in these innovations might benefit their firms. The research categorises these technologies by their projected benefit horizon.

Among the technologies anticipated to provide significant returns within the next two years are generative AI for visual content, generative AI for language, TuringBots, and IoT security.

According to the report, generative AI (genAI) for visual content involves advanced machine learning models that can generate images or video from text, audio, or video prompts. This technology is expected to enhance firms' abilities to produce marketing materials, customer experiences, and new products.

Another technology highlighted is generative AI for language, which Forrester notes is already delivering value in customer support and content creation. As it progresses, it is set to accelerate the development of other technologies. TuringBots, which are AI-powered software robots, also benefit from advances in genAI for language. These bots assist developers in building more than just code, expanding their role within the software development process.

IoT security is identified as crucial due to the proliferation of internet-connected devices, which has led to an increase in security threats. Companies are competing to provide robust IoT security solutions, given the heightened demand following numerous high-profile security breaches.

Technologies projected to yield benefits in the next two to five years include AI agents, autonomous mobility, edge intelligence, and quantum security.

AI agents, which serve as autonomous workplace assistants, are seeing expanded roles beyond internal operations to customer-facing tasks. As they develop, these agents are expected to become more sophisticated in understanding and responding to nuanced human interactions.

Autonomous mobility technology is anticipated to advance collaborations within the commercial and urban transportation sectors, aiming to create personalised mobility experiences for both consumers and businesses.

Forrester's report also touches on edge intelligence, which refers to advanced computing at the edge of networks. While foundational elements, such as Apple's machine learning models, are becoming available, widespread deployment of edge intelligence solutions is still on the horizon.

Quantum security is highlighted as a transformative technology for future-proofing security systems across various platforms, including on-premises and cloud infrastructures. Its development is crucial for enhancing the security and resilience of contemporary digital environments.

Finally, technologies that are expected to take at least five more years to produce tangible value include extended reality (XR) and Zero Trust Edge (ZTE).

Extended reality, a spectrum encompassing virtual and augmented reality, is noted as having slow adoption rates among consumers, with only a small percentage owning or using VR and AR devices. Despite technological advances, companies have been hesitant to invest heavily until there is broader consumer uptake.

Zero Trust Edge technology, aimed at protecting remote workers and localised networks with embedded security measures, is still in a nascent stage. With limited solutions currently available and existing legacy systems complicating integration, ZTE's widespread application could be a long-term prospect.

Brian Hopkins, Forrester's Vice President of the emerging tech portfolio, emphasised the importance of strategic investment in new technologies. "Tech leaders must be able to identify the right use cases and quantify potential benefits, costs, and risks across multiple horizons," he said.

"They need to spread investments out, with shorter-term technologies delivering quick returns and longer-term bets requiring more effort, more foundational investment, and the capacity to manage more risk."