Trends for 2025
Gartner Inc. announced the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2025 at the IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando this week.
“This year’s key strategic technology trends include the imperatives and risks of AI, the new frontiers of computing, and human-machine synergy,” said Gene Alvarez, VP Distinguished Analyst at Gartner. These trends can also help technology leaders ensure that innovation is responsible and ethical, he added.
The 10 trends that Gartner believes will drive disruption and opportunity for IT leaders in the coming year are:
- Agent AI
- AI governance platforms
- Disinformation security
- Post-Quantum Cryptography
- Invisible ambient intelligence
- Energy efficient computing
- Hybrid computing
- Spatial computing
- Multifunctional robots
- Neurological improvement
Agent AI
Agent AI refers to software programs, also known as agents, that can make decisions and take actions independently to achieve specific goals defined by a human. These systems combine AI capabilities with memory, planning, environmental sensing, safety instructions and other data to perform tasks autonomously, which can increase productivity and improve efficiency. By 2028, Gartner expects at least 15% of daily work decisions will be made autonomously by agent AI, up from 0% in 2024.
AI governance platforms
AI governance platforms are technological tools that help ensure that AI models and systems are reliable, transparent, fair, accountable, and meet safety and ethical standards, all of which can lead to greater trust. Gartner predicts that companies using AI governance platforms will see 30% higher customer trust ratings and 25% higher regulatory compliance scores compared to competitors by 2028. Top Use Cases for AI Governance Platforms AI governance includes assessing potential risks and harms, ensuring that appropriate controls are followed throughout the AI model lifecycle, and aligning governance standards over time.
Disinformation security
As the generative use of AI grows in popularity and sophistication, so does the risk of it being used for nefarious purposes, including targeting enterprises with false or harmful information. Disinformation security refers to technology that seeks to protect organizations and individuals by combating misleading or false information spread online. Gartner predicts that half of enterprises will adopt products and services or build features to address disinformation security over the next four years, compared to less than 5% today.
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Advances in quantum computing will make many types of conventional cryptography insecure by 2029, Gartner says. This accelerates the need for post-quantum cryptographic systems that can provide both quantum and classical computers. While it is unclear when we will truly enter the age of quantum computing, organizations such as NIST have highlighted the need for organizations to prepare their security systems for what is to come.
Invisible ambient intelligence
Invisible ambient intelligence refers to the seamless integration of sensing technologies into everyday environments, operating without user intervention. It will be driven by the use of low-cost sensors that enable scalable and affordable tracking. Through 2027, Gartner predicts that early examples of this emerging technology will focus on solving logistics challenges such as real-time retail inventory control and perishable goods management.
Energy efficient computing
The rise of AI has directed particular attention towards the massive amounts of energy and computation required to fuel it. Indeed, tasks like AI training, optimizations and media presentation, among other uses, can be some of the biggest contributors to many organizations’ carbon footprint. Gartner estimates that the late 2020s will bring new computing technologies, such as neuromorphic and new accelerators, that can help with tasks like AI and optimization while using much less energy.
Hybrid computing
As computing paradigms continue to evolve, so will the storage, compute, and networking solutions needed to support them. Gartner describes hybrid computing as the combination of these mechanisms to solve computational problems, which can help solve new problems and extend technologies like AI beyond their current limits. Gartner predicts that these hybrid computing configurations will usher in new, more efficient innovation environments that surpass the mechanisms in place today.
Spatial computing
This refers to the digital enhancement of the physical world through technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This technology is designed to create deeper levels of interaction between the physical and virtual worlds. Already, the technology is gaining traction in the gaming industry with the Meta-owned Oculus system and in online retail with players like IKEA and Nike offering AR experiences. Gartner predicts that by 2033, the space computing market will be more than 10 times its current size, from $110 billion to $1.7 trillion.
Multifunctional robots
By performing multiple tasks at once, Gartner predicts that these machines are in line to replace robots designed to perform a single task repeatedly. In addition to offering new efficiencies, these multipurpose machines are intended to operate among and alongside humans, opening up new opportunities in manufacturing and creating new opportunities for human-machine interaction. Indeed, Gartner predicts that 80% of people will engage with intelligent robots on a daily basis by 2030, up from 10% today.
Neurological improvement
This refers to the use of technologies that read and decode brain activity to improve the way we perform cognitive tasks. This is done through the use of unidirectional brain-machine interfaces or bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMI). Gartner notes particular promise for these technologies in improving human capabilities, next-generation marketing and performance. By 2030, Gartner predicts that 30% of knowledge workers will depend on these enhancements to increase their productivity, optimize their work and stay competitive as AI continues its rise in the workplace.
Peter High is President of The Metis Strategya business and IT consulting firm. He has written three best-selling books, including his latest Getting to Nimble. He also moderates Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh.