NIRANJAN GIDWANI CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR (MCA - INDIA) | BOARD MEMBER | ESG DIRECTOR | DIGITAL DIRECTOR | MEMBER UAE SUPERBRANDS COUNCIL | HBR ADVISORY COUNCIL
It is that time of the year when many wish to talk about what the future is likely to hold in terms of changing technology trends. There are many major and recognized
players who have already put out their predictions. Many more will follow.
Yet, most of these predictions tend to talk about first-mover trends that will impact our future and also be potential money-spinners for some of those who capitalize on the trends.
I decided to take a slightly different route this time. I thought it would be a good idea, from an end-user perspective, to gaze into the crystal ball and see where industry and trends could be more sharply focused to create a more meaningful world from what we already have on our plate.
These are the areas where I feel that companies, governments and society as a whole could be even more focused in 2025.
Cybersecurity and increased use of AI to minimize cyber risks
Since almost the entire world has gone digital and is moving towards digital transformation, Cybersecurity is taking centre-stage. Organizational, governmental and personal assets and services need to be protected in a major way from malicious attacks. The attackers and attacks are getting more frequent and dangerous. Safeguards need to be in place for all types of data, including but not limited to sensitive data, protected health information (PHI), and personally identifiable information (PII) from theft and loss. There is a lot that is being done, yet risk levels are on the rise. While the convenience and comfort of digital transformation is very visible to the world, there is hardly anyone who is not worried about cyber risks.
One has reason to believe that all new technology trends which are rapidly exploding on the horizon will only exasperate the world if cybersecurity falls short of what is required to be done. AI will surely play a key role in strengthening data security by proactively identifying risks and mitigating potential threats. AI-powered systems have the capability to process vast amounts of data in real time, using predictive analytics to identify potential threats before they materialize. The world needs the assurance of being more cybersecure.
Bio-technology in agriculture
With global warming and climate related issues taking centre-stage, food security and food shortages can and are converting regions into extremely volatile and unsettled pockets. It is heartening to see that advances in biotechnology are revolutionizing agriculture by enabling the development of crops with enhanced traits, such as increased resistance to pests and diseases, better nutritional profiles, and higher yields. Arid and desert regions are being converted into farmlands, and this is an extremely positive development which needs to be replicated across many more regions.
Biotechnology is like the genie in the lamp of Agriculture. It does promise a feast of possibilities. More and more technologies and techniques need to be used to create crops that can withstand environmental stresses such as drought and salinity, which is crucial in adapting to climate change and securing food supply.
But like any powerful genie, it comes with its own set of worries. The answer would lie in a careful dance – embracing the bountiful potential of biotech while dancing with caution and responsibility. As a race, we need to live with open ears, watchful eyes, and a commitment to sharing the feast fairly with the entire planet.
Green energy technologies
By 2025, renewable sources are expected to contribute 35% of global electricity generation, up from 30% in 2023. Innovations in green energy technologies focus on enhancing efficiency and reducing the costs of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. Solar power advancements, wind turbine innovations, energy storage breakthroughs, and smart grid integration are shaping the future of renewable energy projects. By embracing these technologies, the world can accelerate the transition to a greener and more sustainable energy future.
Cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world's total electricity supply by 2030. It could decarbonize 90 percent of the power sector by 2050, massively cutting carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change. With AI, generative AI, quantum computing, huge requirements for semiconductors, massive data centers, all creating a huge need for energy, society would need to have a more inclusive, “servant leadership” style to meet global goals.
Sustainable Technology
Sustainable Technology is becoming a significantly pivotal trend. The push for sustainable technology is primarily driven by growing consumer awareness. The newer generation is far more sustainability conscious. Additionally, more and more nations are implementing stricter regulatory mandates. Good businesses also wish to demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
Organizations that voluntarily embrace these innovations will position themselves as forward-thinking leaders and future brands in a market increasingly sensitive to ecological impact. This trend of sustainable technology encompasses developing and using technologies that reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and promote circular economy practices. From data centers powered by renewable energy and energy-efficient devices to AI-driven solutions that optimize resource use, sustainable technology will redefine how businesses will operate with a focus on long-term ecological balance.
Sustainability isn’t just a “feel good” factor for the planet — it will also be good for business, because investors and consumers will bet big on companies who take it seriously.
IOT (INTERNET OF THINGS)
Not many are aware of the impact that IoT has had in the lives of the common man. It has changed our lives through increased convenience of automating mundane tasks, enhancing home security systems, wearable devices to improve health and wellness, and improved connectivity.
IoT also enables organizations to collect and analyze vast amounts of data, driving more informed decision-making and significantly enhancing operational efficiency. IoT is extremely important because it enhances efficiency, automates processes, improves data collection, enables smart decision-making, and enhances daily life through connectivity between various devices.
IoT will be one of the key drivers integral to digital transformation strategies across all industries, fundamentally altering how companies operate and compete. It is pertinent for each of us to know that it is IoT which will help a deeper integration with AI, the widespread adoption of 5G, the use of digital twins for asset management, the growth of edge computing, and continued expansion in supply chain applications.
AI IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
It is the corporate world which is driving global economies. It is also the corporate world where the highest levels of fraud take place. Modern day corporate governance needs newer tools, combined with integrity, will and skills to do a better governance job in a world of complex digital frauds. AI can help in corporate governance by enhancing decision-making processes.
AI helps to automate compliance processes and flag potential legal issues before they escalate. Without proper governance, there's a risk of AI being used in ways that infringe upon privacy, perpetuate biases, or even harm individuals. AI algorithms can also analyze ESG-related data to identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies. They can generate insights into environmental performance, social impact, and governance practices, helping investors understand the sustainability profile of companies and industries, thereby minimizing green-washing of reports.
In summary, this is the whole point of technology. It creates an appetite for immortality on the one hand. It also threatens universal extinction on the other. As the most intelligent race on the planet, we are blessed with the ability to choose. And choose wisely we must.
