Forrester’s recent research shows that, while Asia Pacific lags developed regions like North America and Europe in terms of smartphone penetration, the growth of smartphones will be highest in APAC between 2012 and 2017. As indicated in our recently published report, Forrester Research World Smartphone Adoption Forecast, 2012 To 2017 (Global), by end of 2013, Forrester estimates that smartphone penetration in North America will be 57%, followed by Europe with 42% and APAC with 21%. But in terms of the compound annual growth rate during the same period, smartphone penetration in APAC will grow by 20%, followed by Europe with 11% and North America with 10%.

The sharp increase in the number of smartphone users will greatly affect both the consumer and enterprise landscapes. Building on Forrester’s deep research on the Asia Pacific mobility opportunity, we will be holding a series of complimentary quarterly webinars to help our clients make sense of this rapidly changing landscape and position for success. Starting in March and covering the consumer and enterprise mobility markets, the webinars will bring together Forrester analysts from around the world to present a global and Asia Pacific perspective.

On March 5, 2013, I will present a mobile trends and summary webinar with my colleagues Thomas Husson and George Lawrie. This session will cover our key findings from this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, share our view of key 2013 mobile trends, and share best practices for building a successful business case for mobile initiatives. You can register for the webinar here.

Another webinar will be held on May 7 by my regional colleagues Manish Bahl and John Brand to share their research on the mobile customer engagement imperative for CIOs. Smartphones and tablets have put power in the pockets of millions of Asian consumers, a trend that will gain further momentum in the future. Mobile experiences built on systems of engagement are a flash point for far-reaching changes in the way customers are served. This webinar will help organizations understand how they can leverage mobility to create these systems of engagement with their customers.

Let me know what you have in mind on these topics and others that would be of interest. We have time to adjust our research agenda in the second half of the year and present on what is of most interest, so share your feedback and suggestions for mobility coverage areas for the rest of the year.

We are very excited about our mobility research agenda for 2013 and look forward to helping you make sense of this extremely dynamic market.