Emerging Tech Index
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Passion Fruit
TECH TAKES ROOT

Where emerging tech is reshaping agencies.

Emerging technologies are reshaping federal agencies’ operations and strategic planning, especially in the areas of cybersecurity and additive manufacturing. This adoption trend, expected to expand, reinforces the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for greater efficiency and security.

CYBERCYBER
65%

As cyber threats cast a widening net, 65% show a pronounced reliance on emerging tech for cybersecurity and threat intelligence.

3D PRINTING3D PRINTING
45%

To manage supply chain constraints and challenges of maintain older equipment, 45% of respondents at defense agencies are planning to use additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

WEARABLESWEARABLES
41%

From real-time health monitoring to innovative communication methods, 41% are planning to use wearable technologies.

ROOTING FOR CHANGE

How agencies define emerging tech.

Agencies overwhelmingly associate “emerging technologies” with the uniqueness of the solutions they provide, indicating an inclination towards innovative problem-solving 
over mere novelty.

The reliance on industry research firms further underscores the importance of expert guidance, revealing a pragmatic approach to tech adoption in the public sector.

Defense
Civilian
Intelligence & Homeland Security
Agencies consider the uniqueness of the solution provided
40%
38%
43%
Agencies rely on reports from industry and research firms
33%
43%
27%
Agencies value newness in the market
31%
28%
43%
Orange
HARVESTING BENEFITS

Security at the forefront.

Amidst the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies, government agencies are decisively envisioning a brighter, more secure future.

The leading reasons for embracing new technologies across government involve enhanced security, pushed by defense agencies. Civilian agencies are focused on collaboration and improving citizen services, while intelligence and homeland security agencies say their top priority is finding insights in raw data.

Defense
Civilian
Intelligence
Increased security
43%
27%
35%
Increased productivity
35%
31%
28%
Enhanced decision-making
37%
28%
31%
Access to more updated/real-time data
25%
33%
35%
Easier collaboration across the organization
27%
34%
23%
Access to more robust data
30%
26%
31%
Finding insights in raw data
31%
22%
36%
Cost savings
34%
23%
23%
Enable faster decision making
25%
26%
30%
Improved employee morale
30%
23%
23%
Strawberry
CULTIVATING SUCCESS

Overcoming tech adoption challenges.

Cost and compatibility issues dominate as the primary barriers to adopting emerging technologies across agencies, reflecting concerns about financial feasibility and operational integration. The prominence of these challenges underscores the need for cost-effective solutions and technologies that align seamlessly with existing systems.

All Agencies
Defense
Civilian
Intelligence
Cost / budget concerns
39%
Compatibility with existing software/applications
37%
Compatibility with existing infrastructure
31%
Speed of technology change
29%
Workforce implications (e.g. training, reskilling, upskilling)
24%

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