According to this writer, the former ideal is what we can expect in 2025
In 2025 the convergence of advanced technologies continues to reshape industries, cities, and economies.
The hyperconnected world — driven by innovations in AI, IoT, blockchain, and digital platforms — is not just accelerating digital transformation: it will be redefining how we work, live, and interact with the world.
These advancements are laying the foundation for smarter enterprises, more sustainable cities, and agile business models that prioritize efficiency and resilience.
Three predictions that matter
Here, I dive into three pivotal predictions that highlight how emerging technologies will shape our future in 2025.
- The hyperconnected economy will usher-in the era of autonomous enterprises
- Smart cities will evolve into cognitive urban ecosystems
- The ‘Everything-as-a-Service’ model will dominate across industries
By 2025, the integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies will enable businesses to evolve into autonomous enterprises capable of self-optimization and innovation.
Deloitte anticipates that 25% of enterprises utilizing generative AI will deploy AI agents by 2025, with this figure rising to 50% by 2027. These AI agents are designed to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing operational efficiency.
Additionally, Gartner predicts that by 2026, 20% of organizations will reduce labor costs by leveraging AI to streamline organizational structures, potentially eliminating over half of current middle management positions.
These developments indicate a significant shift towards autonomous business operations, driven by advanced technologies.
By 2025, urban areas will transform into cognitive ecosystems, utilizing AI, IoT, and big data analytics to optimize city functions.
The integration of these technologies facilitates real-time data exchange and decision-making, leading to more efficient urban management. For example, AI-powered digital twins — virtual replicas of physical assets — are being adopted by cities such as Amsterdam and Singapore to enhance resilience against climate change and improve urban planning. Over 500 cities are expected to implement digital twin technology by 2025, potentially saving US$280bn by 2030.
This progression underscores the role of cognitive technologies in developing sustainable and responsive urban environments.
The ‘XaaS’ model is projected to become prevalent across various sectors by 2025.
This model allows consumers to access every kind of products and services on a subscription basis, enhancing flexibility and scalability.
The global XaaS market is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.3% from 2025 to 2030, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud technologies and the demand for agile solutions.
Furthermore, Gartner predicts that a significant portion of IT spending will be allocated to cloud technologies such as XaaS. This trend reflects a substantial shift towards service-based consumption models across industries.
Navigating a transformative future
The trends we foresee for 2025 signal a transformative era where technology empowers humanity to address some of its most pressing challenges.
Autonomous enterprises will redefine operational efficiency; cognitive urban ecosystems will revolutionize sustainability and urban living; and the ‘Everything-as-a-Service’ model will democratize access to advanced capabilities.
These innovations will not only drive economic growth but also foster more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies.
As organizations and individuals embrace this hyperconnected future, the key will lie in harnessing these technologies responsibly, ensuring they serve the greater good.
The choices we make today will determine how profoundly these advancements improve lives and safeguard the world for generations to come.
