As the world approaches 2025, emerging technology trends are poised to redefine business practices and societal interactions, according to futurist Dr Mark van Rijmenam, who highlights the transformative potential and inherent challenges of this rapid technological evolution.
Dr van Rijmenam, speaking to Brave New Coin Insights, categorises this period as one of profound duality, where advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) promise efficiency and connectivity, while simultaneously raising significant concerns around privacy, accountability, and ethical governance. The widespread integration of AI is expected to alter not only industries but also everyday life, with companies like McKinsey and JPMorgan harnessing large language models (LLMs) to drive competition and innovation. However, the rise of autonomous decision-making in AI systems also generates pressing questions regarding the oversight and accountability of these technologies.
The proliferation of generative AI, alongside the growing prevalence of deepfakes and misinformation, poses another significant challenge as trust in information wanes. Current projections suggest that cybercrime could incur a staggering $10 trillion in costs globally, leading to a landscape where discerning reality from fabrication becomes increasingly difficult. To combat these threats, families and organisations may adopt various strategies, including the use of code words for verifying identities, and investing in media literacy education aimed at exposing fraudulent content.
Meanwhile, the vast quantity of data being generated and consumed creates an information tsunami that threatens to overwhelm individuals and businesses alike. Generative AI is already responsible for producing over half of the text available online, with projections indicating that synthetic content could constitute up to 90% of all web-based materials by 2026. This information overload necessitates the development of sophisticated curation and filtering tools to help individuals and organisations navigate the complexities of decision-making amidst the deluge.
In the financial sector, the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is expected to revolutionise traditional paradigms, unlocking value through blockchain technology. This innovation facilitates fractional ownership of tangible assets, thus democratizing wealth-building opportunities. Industry leaders, including giants like BlackRock, are increasingly recognising the financial potential of RWAs, though challenges remain concerning regulatory clarity and market integrity.
The impending influence of quantum computing, dubbed "The Big Crunch," raises alarms as it threatens to undermine existing encryption systems vital to global security sectors, including banking and communication. Efforts to establish quantum-safe standards are underway, yet the transition to more resilient cryptographic methods remains resource-intensive and complex, particularly for smaller enterprises.
In the realm of augmented reality (AR), significant advancements are anticipated to reshape interactions with digital and physical environments. Companies such as Meta and Snap are advancing AR technologies aimed at creating immersive experiences across sectors including healthcare and retail, though privacy and ethical considerations surrounding data surveillance warrant careful regulation.
Humanoid robots are also set to shift from experimental prototypes to integral components of the workforce, addressing labour shortages in sectors such as healthcare and hospitality. Projections suggest that a number of aged care facilities may increasingly rely on humanoid robots to meet the needs of ageing populations.
The healthcare industry, poised for a transition towards proactive care, is already leveraging wearable technologies and IoT-enabled systems to enable individuals to monitor their health in real-time. This evolution is further supported by AI-driven personalised medicine, though disparities in access to these technologies could exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities.
On a geopolitical scale, the next few years may see the imprint of the Trump presidency shaping technology and business practices through protectionist policies and fragmentation of globalisation. Regulatory shifts—such as potential changes to AI oversight—could influence the growth trajectory of Big Tech, concurrently leading to ethical risks amidst rapid technological advancement.
Dr van Rijmenam’s outlook encapsulates the complex landscape of 2025, marked by a delicate balance between innovation, imitation, and regulation. How society chooses to navigate these trends will determine the extent to which technology serves as a lever for opportunity or a catalyst for divide. As organisations prepare for a future increasingly shaped by these forces, the imperative for responsible innovation and robust governance becomes clear—the decisions made today will undoubtedly resonate in the years to come.
Source: Noah Wire Services