Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity
• SEI Report
Publisher
Software Engineering Institute
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to understand what the software engineering community perceives to be key emerging technologies. In this context, “emerging” describes a technology that has yet to mature but is undergoing a period of rapid innovation and change. Our perspective focused on technologies themselves (innovations in hardware and software) rather than related factors (such as processes and policies).
The six emerging technologies described here hold great promise and, in some cases, have already attracted the interest of the Department of Defense (DoD). By understanding these technologies and their intersection with DoD needs, we can create a research agenda that serves our sponsor’s mission.
Part of a Collection
Emerging Technologies 2020
Cite This SEI Report
Software Engineering Institute (2020, December 14). Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity. Retrieved September 13, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/emerging-technologies-2020-six-areas-of-opportunity/.
@techreport{Citekey_2020,
author={Software Engineering Institute},
title={Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity},
month={Dec},
year={2020},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/emerging-technologies-2020-six-areas-of-opportunity/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Sep-13}
}
Software Engineering Institute. "Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, December 14, 2020. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/emerging-technologies-2020-six-areas-of-opportunity/.
Software Engineering Institute, "Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 14-Dec-2020 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/emerging-technologies-2020-six-areas-of-opportunity/. [Accessed: 13-Sep-2026].
Software Engineering Institute. "Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 14 Dec. 2020. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/emerging-technologies-2020-six-areas-of-opportunity/. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.
Software Engineering Institute. Emerging Technologies 2020: Six Areas of Opportunity. Software Engineering Institute. 2020. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/emerging-technologies-2020-six-areas-of-opportunity/