By Martin H. Morrissette, Sirocco CMO – Book time with me
Innovation is moving faster than ever, and as we settle into 2025, the groundwork laid last year is already sparking exciting changes. From bold experiments in AI and automation to advances in edge computing, 2024 was a year of pushing boundaries. Now, businesses like yours are shifting focus to turn those lessons into tangible results. Industry leaders at Forrester, Gartner, and Forbes point to a mix of opportunities and challenges as organisations integrate these emerging technologies. The path ahead calls for bold ideas paired with thoughtful execution. Striking the right balance will be key to unlocking value.
AI: bold moves, measured progress
You might feel like we’ve been hearing about this forever, but one of the most exciting technologies, AI agentic architectures, is still in its early days. These systems aim to push generative AI beyond basic tasks and into more complex actions, but the road ahead presents significant challenges. Forrester predicts that 75% of enterprises trying to build their own AI agents in 2025 will struggle to get it right. The sheer complexity (e.g. multiple models, advanced retrieval-augmented generation – or RAG – stacks, and sophisticated data setups) can be overwhelming. Many organisations will likely lean on consultancies or established vendor ecosystems to stay on track and avoid the pitfalls of attempting to manage everything in-house.
Generative AI is already helping businesses improve customer experiences, boost productivity, and open new revenue streams. However, the road to ROI has been slower than many anticipated. According to Forrester’s 2024 AI Pulse Survey, nearly half of decision-makers expect returns within one to three years, while 44% see a longer window of three to five years. As a business leader, you’ll need to focus on company-specific use cases that leverage your unique data and expertise. This approach provides a steady path toward value without the pressure to scale too quickly.
Sustainability & Green Tech
Gartner and McKinsey have highlighted sustainability as a critical factor for organisations embracing new technologies. Regulatory pressures and growing stakeholder expectations are pushing businesses to adopt greener practices. From energy-efficient AI models to green data centres, sustainability-focused innovation is no longer optional. By incorporating AI-driven energy management systems and prioritising sustainable design, businesses can reduce their environmental impact while staying competitive. The intersection of technology and sustainability will play a pivotal role in shaping industries over the next decade.
Tackling technical debt with AIOps
With technology evolving so quickly, it’s no surprise that technical debt is becoming a bigger issue for many businesses. Forrester suggests that more than 50% of technology decision-makers will face moderate to severe levels of tech debt as they head into 2025, and this could climb to 75% by 2026. AI-powered operations platforms, or AIOps, offer a potential solution. These systems can analyse vast amounts of data, automate responses to incidents, and improve overall outcomes. Success depends on getting the foundations right—aligning culture, data, architecture, and security practices. Businesses that manage this effectively will be better positioned to handle complexity and innovate faster.
Transforming Connectivity with Edge Computing
Edge computing is gaining traction, especially as industries look for ways to process data closer to its source. By 2025, more organisations are expected to invest in edge solutions to support everything from IoT devices to real-time analytics. Gartner notes that this shift isn’t only about speed. It enables smarter, more efficient systems capable of handling the demands of modern applications. For industries such as manufacturing and energy, where real-time data processing is crucial, edge computing could be a game-changer. However, building these systems comes with challenges, particularly around infrastructure and security. Partnering with experienced vendors or adopting modular solutions will be crucial for staying competitive.
Addressing the skills gap
No discussion about technology would be complete without addressing the human element. The rapid pace of innovation means businesses need teams that can keep up, but finding the right talent is often easier said than done. Forbes highlights the growing skills gap in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and automation, which could limit how quickly organisations can adopt emerging technologies. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives will play a critical role in closing the gap. Internal training programmes, partnerships with universities, and collaboration with technology vendors will be vital. Organisations that invest in their people will not only improve their ability to adopt new technologies but also foster a culture that embraces change. Success depends as much on adaptability, creativity, and collaboration as it does on technical expertise.
AI governance & ethics
As AI becomes more integrated into business processes, the need for robust governance frameworks is increasingly clear. Gartner and McKinsey both stress the importance of ensuring AI systems are transparent, fair, and secure. Organisations that prioritise ethical AI practices will reduce legal risks and build trust with their customers. This includes addressing bias, ensuring data privacy, and establishing clear guidelines for AI use. A focus on governance will also help businesses avoid unintended consequences as AI continues to evolve.
Now what?
In 2025, we believe the technology landscape will continue to demand a careful balance between bold innovation and practical implementation. While AI, automation, and edge computing lead the charge, organisations must prioritise the lessons learned from previous years and avoid rushing into deployments that don’t deliver value. Addressing technical debt, embracing sustainability, and investing in talent will be essential. Data – both quality & quantity – along with refined, documented processes are the foundation for successful new tech initiatives such as AI. Strategic partnerships and a focus on governance will help businesses navigate complexity while unlocking opportunities for growth.
At Sirocco, we recognise the importance of these challenges. Whether you’re looking to optimise your AI and automation processes, manage your technical debt, or adopt more sustainable practices, we can help you navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Our experienced consultants work with you to build solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring long-term success and growth. Together, we can turn your vision into actionable results. Let’s make 2025 a year of real impact.
