During this week’s IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando, Gartner Inc. revealed its top ten strategic technology trends for 2025.
“AI imperatives and risks, new computing frontiers, and human-machine synergy are this year’s top strategic technology trends,” asserted Gene Alvarez, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. According to him, technology leaders may also use these trends to make sure innovation is morally and responsibly done.
According to Gartner, the following ten themes will present IT leaders with opportunities and disruption in the coming year:
- Agentic AI
The term “agentic AI” describes software applications, sometimes referred to as “agents,” that are capable of autonomous decision-making and action to accomplish well-defined human objectives. To do activities autonomously, these systems integrate AI capabilities with memory, planning, environmental sensing, safety instructions, and other inputs. This could increase efficiency and production. Gartner predicts that by 2028, agentic AI will make at least 15% of daily job decisions on its own, up from 0% in 2024.
- AI governance platforms
Platforms for AI governance are technological instruments that assist in guaranteeing that AI models and systems are trustworthy, open, equitable, and responsible, as well as that they adhere to safety and ethical guidelines. These features can all contribute to increased trust. According to Gartner, by 2028, businesses that use AI governance platforms would outperform their rivals in terms of regulatory compliance and consumer trust ratings by 25% and 30%, respectively. Assessing possible risks and damages, making sure the right controls are in place throughout the AI model life cycle, and gradually bringing governance standards into line are some of the main use cases for AI governance platforms.
- Disinformation security
The potential for generative AI to be used maliciously, such as to target businesses with inaccurate or damaging information, increases with its sophistication and popularity. Disinformation security is the term for technology that aims to safeguard people and organizations by thwarting the transmission of inaccurate or misleading information online. According to Gartner, within the next four years, half of businesses will implement disinformation security-related products and services or develop features, up from less than 5% at the moment.
- Post-quantum cryptography
According to Gartner, several forms of traditional cryptography will become dangerous by 2029 due to developments in quantum computing. This increases the demand for post-quantum cryptography systems that can protect both traditional and quantum computers. Enterprises like NIST have emphasized the necessity for enterprises to have their security systems ready for the future, even if it is unknown when we will actually enter the era of quantum computing.
- Ambient invisible intelligence
The term “ambient invisible intelligence” describes how sensing technologies are seamlessly incorporated into daily settings and function without the need for human involvement. It will be powered by inexpensive sensors that allow for scalable and reasonably priced tracking. Early applications of this new technology, according to Gartner, will concentrate on resolving logistical issues including managing perishable items and real-time retail stock checks through 2027.
- Energy-efficient computing
The emergence of AI has drawn special attention to the enormous quantities of computation and energy required to support it. Indeed, among other applications, operations like media rendering, optimizations, and AI training might be some of the main causes of the carbon footprint of many businesses. According to Gartner, new compute technologies like neuromorphic and innovative accelerators will be available in the late 2020s. These technologies can help with activities like AI and optimization while consuming significantly less energy.
- Hybrid computing
The storage, computation, and networking systems required to support computer paradigms will also change over time. The combining of various processes to address computational problems is known as hybrid computing, according to Gartner. This approach can help solve new challenges and expand the capabilities of technologies like artificial intelligence beyond their existing boundaries. According to Gartner, these hybrid computing configurations will spur the development of new, more effective innovation environments that surpass the current systems.
- Spatial computing
This is the process of using technology like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to digitally enhance the actual world. Deeper levels of contact between the real and virtual worlds are anticipated because of this technology. With companies like IKEA and Nike providing augmented reality experiences, as well as the Meta-owned Oculus system in the gaming sector, this technology is already gaining popularity in online retail. According to Gartner, the market for spatial computing is expected to grow from $110 billion to $1.7 trillion by 2033, more than ten times its current size.
- Polyfunctional robots
According to Gartner, these machines will eventually replace robots that are made to do a particular task continuously since they can execute numerous activities at once. These multipurpose machines are designed to work alongside and alongside people, bringing new efficiencies and chances for human-machine interaction as well as new production prospects. In fact, according to Gartner, by 2030, 80% of people will interact with intelligent robots daily, up from 10% at the moment.
- Neurological enhancement
This refers to the application of technologies that can read and decode brain activity to enhance our cognitive performance. Bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMIs) or unidirectional brain-machine interfaces are used to do this. According to Gartner, these technologies hold special potential for performance, next-generation marketing, and human upskilling. According to Gartner, as AI continues to gain traction in the workplace, 30% of knowledge workers will rely on these improvements by 2030 to boost productivity, optimize their work, and maintain their competitiveness.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2025, the landscape of technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses and individuals alike. The strategic trends outlined—ranging from AI and machine learning to edge computing and quantum computing—underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in a digital-first world. Organizations that embrace these trends will not only enhance their operational efficiencies but also create new avenues for growth and customer engagement.
Moreover, with the increasing emphasis on sustainability and ethical considerations in technology deployment, the need for responsible innovation will be paramount. By staying informed and proactive, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of this technological revolution, harnessing the power of these trends to drive transformative change. Ultimately, the ability to leverage these strategic technology trends will define success in the coming years, making it essential for leaders to prioritize their integration into long-term planning and strategy.
