Start with the problem, not with the tech. To avoid the shiny new toy syndrome, identify at first the issues you have and then evaluate whether the emerging tech helps you to solve them. It might sound and look cool, but without a concrete use case, you'll spend money, time, and effort on something that doesn't bring value for your customers, company, nor employees. Now I'm not saying not to experiment - you should! However, it's more powerful if you have identified for example an issue with customer service response time and use AI to speed it up, resulting in reduced customer churn and higher amount of repurchases. Numbers prove that it was a great investment, give you credibility, and ensure more budget to experiment in the future.

Choosing the right emerging technologies for your digital strategy requires a thoughtful approach. Start by assessing your needs to identify gaps or opportunities within your current operations; understanding your specific challenges will guide your technology selection. Consider scalability, ensuring that any new technology can grow and adapt alongside your business, which is crucial for long-term success. Additionally, evaluate the ecosystem fit by confirming that the new technology integrates seamlessly with your existing systems, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency. Regularly consult with your team and gather feedback to ensure that the chosen technologies align with organizational goals and user needs.

Choosing the appropriate emerging technologies for a business strategy requires a thorough, multi-faceted method. Initially, performing a thorough needs assessment is crucial for identifying operational inefficiencies, gaps, and opportunities that can be solved with technological solutions. Also important is scalability, as implementing technologies that can grow and evolve with the business ensures long-term success. Furthermore, assessing ecosystem fit is essential to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructures. Aligning tech innovations with business goals drives competitive advantage and operational excellence.

Innovation without purpose is just novelty. When prioritizing emerging technologies, start with the human impact: How will this technology empower people to achieve more? Which solutions solve real customer challenges? Build your roadmap around three horizons: what delivers value today, what transforms tomorrow, and what reimagines the future. But remember - successful technology adoption isn't about the tech itself. It's about creating digital feedback loops that drive continuous improvement. Stay curious, but be intentional. Not every shiny new tool deserves your attention.

To choose the right emerging technologies for your strategy, start by aligning each technology with your business goals and audience needs, focusing on those that enhance customer experience and engagement. Research market trends and competitor use cases to understand proven benefits, then pilot small-scale tests to measure impact without heavy investment. Prioritize technologies that integrate smoothly with your existing tools and platforms, ensuring they bring long-term value while supporting your brand's growth and innovation.

Two additional considerations would be: 1. Find proof points or case examples: Whether understand the technology’s current usages or researching their current partnerships, emerging technologies stem from a specific need or gap that you should review first in order to identify the mission and focus areas for that technology 2. Create your own criteria: Along with assessing your needs, create a criteria/ checklist for capabilities as a bare minimum when considering an emerging technology. This helps to keep focus and not influence you through any cool new capabilities that may not suit your immediate needs.

There are various ways to compare technologies, I am sharing one such way - to find out why was a particular technology invented or what was its first application.

To choose the right emerging technologies for my digital strategy, I focus on these approaches: - Identify Specific Objectives: I clearly define my business goals and challenges to pinpoint the technologies that will best address our unique needs. - Conduct Market Research: I stay informed about the latest tech trends and innovations, analyzing case studies and industry reports to evaluate potential solutions. - Engage with Stakeholders: I involve team members and stakeholders in discussions to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the selected technology aligns with user requirements. - Pilot Testing: I implement pilot programs to test new technologies in real-world scenarios, allowing for assessment of effectiveness.

Adding to this great approach, I’d emphasize the importance of staying anchored to your business needs and requirements when exploring emerging technologies. Rather than getting caught up in the latest features or trends, it’s essential to evaluate whether the technology genuinely solves a business problem or addresses a specific need within your strategy. Knowing your requirements clearly allows for a more focused assessment and prevents investment in tech that’s “cool” but misaligned with your objectives. This strategic alignment ensures the technology chosen not only enhances but truly supports your business’s growth trajectory.