Technology Convergence Report 2025

To compete effectively in an era of combinatorial innovation, organizations must determine which combinations align with their unique strengths. This research provides a structured mapping of technology combinations from eight advanced domain areas that organizations can use as a starting point for further strategic alignment and capability development. The domain areas selected – AI, omni computing, engineering biology, spatial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, next-generation (next-gen) energy and quantum technologies – were identified through expert consultation and global survey validation as among the most consequential in shaping near- and mid-term innovation trajectories. Reflecting the combinatorial nature of modern technological advancement, each domain was disaggregated into its core sub-domains and technology components. The final taxonomy comprises 238 technology sub-components. Each sub-component was assessed using a maturity model created based on Simon Wardley’s four-stage classification framework. This framework provided a consistent basis for understanding how technologies evolve and where they sit in the innovation life cycle: –Genesis-stage technologies often serve as research-driven catalysts, waiting for practical application. They serve as differentiators or future option values, and while they may not generate immediate returns, selective investment in these technologies secures potential future competitive advantages and signals innovation leadership to customers and partners. –Custom-built technologies are adaptable but require specific market alignment to scale. While they address specific market needs that commercial off-the-shelf solutions cannot meet, their differentiation factor needs to be aligned with customer needs to justify dev costs. –Product-stage technologies are ripe for integration and often act as enablers for value chain convergence. They provide the practical capabilities that deliver immediate customer value and represent the core of most technology portfolios. They often serve as platforms for integrating both more experimental and more commoditized components. –Commodity-stage technologies provide the infrastructure backbone that allows new technologies to scale efficiently, thus creating ecosystem impacts. They deliver cost efficiency and scalability. By employing industry-standard components and infrastructure, organizations can reduce operational costs and focus resources on higher-value differentiation. Genesis Adoption Emerging, experimental phaseEarly adoption, bespoke solutionsStandardization and defined performance metricsMature, widely available, plateau in core performance metrics High variability in implementationGrowing but fragmented marketClear market leaders in established marketPrice-based competition Limited standardization Early standardization attempts, emerging best practicesEstablished standards Universal standards High cost per unit Declining (but still high) costsPredictable cost structure Optimized costs Value proposition under explorationClear value for specific applicationsStrong value proposition Optimized value delivery Requires highly specialized expertiseRequires highly specialized expertiseStandard skill sets applicationCommon skill sets sufficientMarket Standards Cost Value creation ImplementationCustom-built Product CommodityMapping of technology maturities and their characteristics FIGURE 4 Note: This figure was inspired by Simon Wardley’s Value Chain Mapping methodology. This research provides a structured mapping of technology combinations from eight advanced domain areas that organizations can use as a starting point for further strategic alignment and capability development. 15 Technology Convergence Report