Shaping Tomorrow: Embracing the Era of Hyperconnectivity
By Theo Scherman, Chief Strategy Officer, Hitachi Asia
As we approach 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’s 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 prioritise efficiency and resilience. 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
By 2025, the integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies will enable businesses to evolve into autonomous enterprises capable of self-optimisation and innovation. Deloitte anticipates that 25% of enterprises utilising 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 organisations will reduce labour costs by leveraging AI to streamline organisational structures, potentially eliminating over half of current middle management positions. These developments indicate a significant shift towards autonomous business operations, driven by advanced technologies.
Smart Cities Will Evolve into Cognitive Urban Ecosystems
By 2025, urban areas will transform into cognitive ecosystems, utilising AI, IoT, and big data analytics to optimise 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 like 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 $280 billion by 2030. This progression underscores the role of cognitive technologies in developing sustainable and responsive urban environments.
The ‘Everything-as-a-Service’ Model Will Dominate Across Industries
The ‘Everything-as-a-Service’ (XaaS) model is projected to become prevalent across various sectors by 2025. This model allows consumers to access products and services on a subscription basis, enhancing flexibility and scalability. The global XaaS market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.3% from 2025 to 2030, reaching approximately $1.2 trillion by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of cloud technologies and the demand for agile solutions. Furthermore, Gartner predicts that IT spending will rise to $1.8 trillion by 2025, with a significant portion 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 revolutionise sustainability and urban living, and the ‘Everything-as-a-Service’ model will democratise access to advanced capabilities.
These innovations will not only drive economic growth but also foster more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. As businesses 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.
