HAMPSHIRE, UK – Juniper Research has drawn up a list of predictions for the coming year, all neatly wrapped up as the top trends for the technologies industries for 2017.

eSports Hits the Mainstream. Juniper has identified 2017 as the watershed year for eSports, or the competitive playing of video games at a professional level, forecasting that there will be over 190mn unique viewers next year across mobile and online channels.

The company argues that whilst to date revenues have largely been derived from subscriptions to online video platforms such as Twitch, eSports’ loyal and rapidly expanding audience makes it an increasingly attractive proposition for advertisers. With viewing figures beginning to rival those of traditional sporting events – the League of Legends Championship attracted a peak audience of 14mn in December 2015 – Juniper anticipates ad spend on the sector rising sharply next year.

PSD2 Heralds Banking Disruption. The research also claims the implementation of PSD2 (Directive on Payment Services 2) legislation will be a key disruptor in banking by reducing the barrier of entry to new digital players. It predicts a host of third party players – including retailers, telcos and vendors – will seek to deepen their existing relationships with consumers through the addition of an array of financial products.

Top Ten Tech Predictions for 2017

The full list of our top ten tech predictions follow below, with each prediction explained in more detail in the free report and slide set available to download from the Juniper Research website, while a commentary on the slides can also be accessed here.

1. eSports Hits the Mainstream

2. Advent of PSD2 Heralds Banking Disruption

3. Mass Expansion of VR Content Creation

4. Blockchain Deployments Extend Beyond Financial Industry

5. Challenger Banks Mergers & Acquisitions

6. Insurtech Disrupts Traditional Insurance Industry

7. Battle of the Voice Assistants

8. Autonomous Driving Legislation Commences

9. Consoles Reinvent Themselves

10. Bots are Hot!

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.