By Dheeraj Toshniwal, Partner & Leader, Digital Services, BDO Digital
We are in an era defined by rapid technological advancements transforming industries and everyday life. From AI and digital payments to solar energy, space exploration, and biotechnology, innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace.
In 2024, several key trends have driven this change:
Generative AI (Gen AI): GenAI tools are now integral to content creation, software development, analytics, drug discovery, scientific research, business operations, and more. With new capabilities from companies like Google and OpenAI, these tools have enhanced productivity and creativity. However, they also raise concerns around misinformation and privacy that must be addressed.
Sustainable Technologies: In India, initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have sparked widespread adoption of solar energy. The Paris agreement, COP29 and other global sustainability agreements are driving the adoption of sustainable technologies across the supply chain, accelerating the shift to a greener economy.
Computing Power: As Nvidia becomes the world’s most valuable company, there is a renewed focus on hardware and computing architecture. Advancements in quantum and edge computing have accelerated technology adoption across industries, with Quantum-as-a-service (QaaS) platforms making quantum computing more accessible and practical.
Immersive Experiences – The rise of artificial reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is driving Metaverse resurgence, while improvements in biometric technologies are enhancing security across platforms. From remote work to immersive training and gaming, these technologies are blurring the lines between physical and virtual worlds.
Looking ahead to 2025, several transformative technologies are poised to reshape the world. The rapid pace of change will make some technologies ‘game changing’ while others may become irrelevant within months, if not weeks – making it all the more difficult to identify trends that will sustain:
Agentic AI and Beyond: Following late 2024 announcements, Agentic AI promises to enable systems to collaborate autonomously across domains. Specialised GenAI tools will continue to challenge traditional operating models, particularly in IT services and code generation. As hardware and software evolve, artificial general intelligence (AGI) may be closer than expected, raising crucial ethical considerations that must be addressed for responsible AI deployment.
Hyperconnectivity: The global rollout of 5G will drive the proliferation of connected devices and seamless AI integration The development of 6G will further transform industries, enhancing the Internet of Things (IoT), global collaboration, telemedicine and more.
Technologies Reversing Climate Change: With net-zero commitments on the horizon, sustainable technologies are taking center stage. From renewable energy and energy storage solutions to sustainable transportation, waste management, and carbon capture technologies, the focus is shifting from achieving net zero to developing net negative technologies to ensure the planet’s survival.
Space Technology: The space sector is advancing rapidly, with innovations in satellite internet, propulsion technologies, deep space research, space mining, and interplanetary travel. Space tourism is gaining momentum, fueled by favourable government policies and increasing private sector participation. Missions like NASA’’s Artemis and ISRO’s Gaganyaan will captivate us through 2025 and beyond.
Biotechnology: Breakthroughs in biotechnology are improving wellness and sustainability. Personalised therapies, AI-led diagnostics, drug discovery, gene therapy, biopolymers, and precision agriculture are expected to evolve rapidly, contributing to a healthier planet.
Additionally, technologies like blockchain, Web3, polyfunctional robots, and neurological enhancements will continue to shape next-generation solutions. Innovations in hardware and computing power will further accelerate this evolution.
However, every technological leap brings its own challenges. As digital transformation accelerates, security becomes increasingly paramount. IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report highlights the rising sophistication of cyber scams targeting organisations across sectors, with the global cost of data breaches increasing by 10% to USD 4.88mn. In India alone, cybercrime losses surpassed USD 200mn in the first four months of 2024. While policy makers, industry bodies, and technologists work to tackle these threats, it is essential for all of us to remain vigilant and ensure responsible use of emergent technologies.
Technology innovation is a continuous journey. As we look ahead to 2025, interconnected trends will drive exponential progress, presenting both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. By embracing these advancements, we can create a future where technology empowers us to solve humanity’s most pressing problems and build a more prosperous, sustainable world for.
Disclaimer – The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in the article are solely the author’s and are not representative of the author’s employer/ organisation.
