One popular definition of a trend is "a tendency with a certain statistical probability of occurrence that indicates the direction of a likely development." Simply put, trends are long-term changes within an environment. Understanding trends enables us to forecast the future. Some trends, such as globalization, that have an enormous impact on society are known as megatrends. These trends very often shape the market of the future.

Trend-Driven Innovation

SAP Research is well equipped to perform the careful balancing act involved in understanding trends, thanks to our basis in sound analysis and awareness of the latest IT research reports.

SAP Research collects and screens a wide range of industry reports. Researchers analyze the trends described in the reports and the key factors to gain an understanding of the drivers of change and the impact on future business opportunities. To avoid "a tunnel vision," researchers frequently discuss emerging trends with external partners in industry and academia – soliciting their input to find the hottest topics and the most qualified partners with which to work.

Research Fields

In our exploration of current trends, SAP Research focuses on six key research fields, touching upon different aspects of technological, societal, and business change. Each research field addresses a strategic field within a specific trend. Research fields are implemented via research projects and aim at generating a significant product impact within SAP.

Learn more about our research fields and the technology, society, and business trends they support:

Technology	Business and Technology	Business, Technology, and Society
Software Development	Internet of Services	Next Generation Applications
	Internet of Things	Empowering End Users
	Business Grids