Forrester Opens Nominations For Its 2026 Global Technology Awards

Key Terms

enterprise architecture technical

Enterprise architecture is a high-level blueprint showing how an organization’s technology, data, processes and people fit together to achieve its goals — like a city master plan mapping roads, utilities and zoning so everything works in sync. Investors care because it affects how efficiently a business can scale, control costs, manage risk and launch new products; a clear, well-executed architecture reduces wasted spending and execution uncertainty, making future performance easier to judge.

generative AI technical

Generative AI is a type of computer technology that can create new content, like text, images, or music, on its own. It’s important because it can produce realistic and useful material quickly, which could change how we create art, write stories, or even develop new products. Think of it as a smart robot that can invent and produce things almost like a human.

technical debt technical

Technical debt is the extra work and cost a company incurs when it chooses quick, imperfect software or system fixes instead of doing a more thorough job now. Like patching a leaky roof instead of replacing it, those shortcuts can slow product development, raise maintenance bills, increase outage and security risk, and reduce a company’s ability to grow—factors investors watch because they can lower profits and company value over time.

analytics technical

Analytics involves examining data to identify patterns, trends, and insights that can inform decision-making. For investors, it’s like using a detailed weather forecast to plan for the future—helping them understand potential risks and opportunities. By turning raw information into understandable information, analytics supports smarter, more informed choices in financial activities.

TOGAF® standard technical

A framework for enterprise architecture that provides a common set of methods and vocabulary to design, plan and govern a company’s IT systems and how they support business goals; think of it as a blueprint and playbook for aligning technology, processes and organization. Investors pay attention because use of the standard can signal disciplined management of IT projects, lower integration risks and costs, speed rollout of new initiatives, and make future change easier—factors that affect profitability and operational risk.

Forrester’s Technology Strategy Impact, Enterprise Architecture, and Data & AI Impact Awards will recognize winners across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America, honoring excellence within each region

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) today opened calls for nominations for its annual global Technology Awards across three categories: Technology Strategy Impact, Enterprise Architecture (in partnership with The Open Group), and Data & AI Impact. These awards recognize high-performing organizations for driving measurable business outcomes through their IT strategy, advancing a disciplined enterprise architecture approach, and unlocking business value through data, AI, and analytics, respectively, across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America.

Nominations for the three award categories are open to organizations with 1,000 or more employees in sectors other than software or professional services. Technology leaders, including chief information officers, chief technology officers, chief digital officers, chief data officers, chief AI officers, chief analytics officers, and enterprise architects, across three regions — North America, EMEA, and APAC — are encouraged to apply.

“Forrester’s Technology Awards celebrate organizations that are not just adopting innovation but translating it into real business impact,” said Fred Giron, vice president and senior research director at Forrester. “We encourage organizations redefining what’s possible with a robust IT strategy, data, AI, and architectural discipline to step forward and join other tech leaders setting the standard for innovation.”

“We’re pleased to once again partner with Forrester on the Enterprise Architecture Award,” said Steve Nunn, president and CEO of The Open Group. “As organizations navigate rapid change and increasing complexity, the role of enterprise architecture has never been more critical. We’re proud to help recognize the teams advancing the discipline through innovative, outcome‑driven practices, and we look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and honoring the exceptional work underway across the global EA community.”

Nomination criteria for Forrester’s 2026 Technology Awards are as follows:

• Technology Strategy Impact. This award recognizes IT organizations that design an IT strategy to accelerate business growth and outcomes. The high-performance organizations submitting for this award should demonstrate deliberate alignment across their business strategy, IT investment priorities, and IT capability development. Deadline for submission is May 5, 2026, and organizations can apply here.
• Enterprise Architecture. This award, presented in partnership with The Open Group — author of the TOGAF® standard, developed by The Open Group Architecture Forum — honors organizations that demonstrate how their enterprise architecture practices help their company manage risk, drive cost efficiency, improve customer and employee experience, and increase revenue. This year, special consideration will be given to organizations successfully implementing generative AI and managing technical debt. Deadline for the submission is May 5, 2026, and organizations can apply here.
• Data & AI Impact. This award celebrates the impact of data, AI, and analytics initiatives that directly contribute to business results, especially in the backdrop of AI’s rapid pace of development. Those organizations that apply data, AI, and analytics to address pressing business challenges while leading with the intention to solve future problems will be recognized. Deadline for submission is May 5, 2026, and organizations can apply here.

Additional details on Forrester’s 2026 Technology Awards:

• Asia Pacific. Award recipients will be recognized at Forrester’s AI Forum Singapore on August 20, 2026, and AI Forum Sydney on August 25, 2026.
• EMEA. Award recipients will be interviewed on stage during a session at Technology & Innovation Forum EMEA in London, September 30–October 1, 2026.
• North America. Award recipients will be interviewed on stage during a session at a North America regional Forum of their choice, including Technology & Innovation Forum Central in Austin, Texas, September 14–15, 2026, and Technology & Innovation Forum East in New York City, November 4–5, 2026.

Resources:

• Learn more about Forrester’s 2026 Technology Awards program.

About Forrester

Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We empower leaders in technology, customer experience, digital, marketing, revenue, and product functions to make confident decisions in an AI-driven world and accelerate growth through customer obsession. Our unique research and continuous guidance model helps executives and their teams achieve their initiatives and outcomes faster and with confidence. To learn more, visit Forrester.com.

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Amanda Chordas
achordas@forrester.com

Source: Forrester