Market research predictions tend to tout big changes from new tech, but watch out for the hype train, as always.

According to a global market research and advisory firm, 10 less-visible technologies are worth watching for their short- to medium- term impact on digitalization, going forward.

The firm categorizes its predictions by the anticipated timeline for business relevance. The list of emerging technologies is divided into those expected to have a short-term impact (within two years), a mid-term impact (within two to five years), and a longer-term impact (five years or more).

The top four in the list with the most immediate forecasted impact are:

  1. AI chips: Specialized processors designed to accelerate AI workloads, increasingly used in both large-scale data centers and edge devices such as robotics and agriculture equipment
  2. Computer vision: Systems enabling computers to interpret and process visual information, with applications in sectors such as  financial services (identity verification), insurance (claims processing), and manufacturing (defect detection)
  3. Digital twins: Virtual models of physical assets or processes, used primarily in asset-intensive industries to improve design, monitor operations, and reduce costs through integration with real-world sensor data
  4. Explainable AI: Tools and frameworks that make AI decision-making more transparent, aiming to build user trust, reduce bias, and improve regulatory compliance

Technologies with 2–5 year impact

  • Blockchain: Distributed ledger technology with potential applications in supply chain, finance, and identity management
  • Personal AI devices: Consumer-grade devices leveraging AI for personalized assistance and automation
  • Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): A network architecture combining security and wide-area networking capabilities, designed to support distributed workforces and cloud adoption

Technologies impactful only after five years

  • 6G: While the 5G hype is yet to be fulfilled in many sectors, 6G proponents are promising faster speeds and new applications — which will still be several years away from commercial deployment
  • Extended Reality (XR): Encompassing augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, XR is expected to enable new immersive experiences in both consumer and enterprise settings
  • Quantum Computing Platforms: Systems leveraging quantum mechanics for computation, with potential to transform fields such as cryptography, logistics, and materials science, though practical business applications remain distant

According to Charlie Dai, VP/Principal Analyst, Forrester, the firm releasing its predictions, demand for advanced technologies such as AI chips and quantum computing is expected to grow in the Asia Pacific region, driven by ongoing investment, government initiatives, and industry collaboration aimed at supporting innovation and practical business applications.

Editor’s note: The report does not provide independent validation for these forecasts, and the firm’s methodology for selection and impact assessment is not detailed in the public summary.