If before, living in the age of technology seemed distant, today we see how essential new technological resources are in the daily operations of organizations. It’s no coincidence that, according to the 2023 Digital Transformation Index Brazil, produced by PwC Brazil, 69% of companies expect operational efficiency improvements, primarily due to advances in digital transformation.
The survey data aligns with the current digitalization trend experienced by companies. As proof of this, the study also points out that 12% of organizations invested in forming new areas dedicated to digital and innovation, as well as prioritized specialists in infrastructure management, cloud solutions, and process automation.
The digital transformation movement is something that will certainly continue. Therefore, it is essential for companies to stay attentive to new trends and seek to implement them to achieve better performance and competitive advantage in the face of management challenges. And, considering that 2025 has just arrived, I highlight here five trends that need to be part of this year’s strategic planning:
#1 Generative Artificial Intelligence: this will undoubtedly remain a strong trend. According to the study “The Economic Potential of Generative AI,” conducted by McKinsey in 2023, it is estimated that this technology could add between $2.6 and $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy, increasing the total impact of AI by 15% to 40%. Additionally, it is projected that this technology will automate half of the jobs between 2040 and 2060—with expectations that this shift could be accelerated by up to 10 years. All these projections demonstrate the significant impact and importance of integrating its use into the company’s daily operations.
#2 Edge Computing: data management is among organizations’ priorities. With that, Edge Computing is a strong trend, as it is a data architecture that processes information close to where it is generated, via IoT (Internet of Things) devices. This mechanism further supports the cloud management movement by providing even more security and agility in record processing.
#3 Cybersecurity: complementing the previous topics, investing in security remains an important trend. This is because, as new technologies emerge, unfortunately, the risk of cyber threats also increases. In this regard, companies must enhance protective measures by adopting solutions that enable the early detection and elimination of potential risks.
#4 Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): a few years ago, there was great market anticipation around the metaverse, but its adoption is still expected to be slow, considering its resources are in the development stage. On the other hand, AR and VR technologies are likely to gain broader adoption, given their applicability in training, meetings, creative processes, and simulations—helping achieve more effective results and significant operational improvements.
#5 Automation and Robotics: no, robots will not take over human roles, but they will be important assistants. Considering the rapid rise in demands, companies must address this scenario by adopting efficient solutions. Thus, robotics and automation are expected to stand out, given their benefits such as reducing operational costs, increasing efficiency, and delivering faster services.
All these trends share the fact that, when applied collectively, they effectively contribute to organizational performance. And when it comes to Generative AI, this technology has vast potential to drive business growth. As proof of its protagonism, a 2023 Accenture survey revealed that 97% of executives believe this Artificial Intelligence will have a transformative impact on their companies and industries.
Thus, it is essential for organizations to aim to integrate these resources to simplify processes and enable faster decision-making. Certainly, this is not an easy task, as digital transformation directly impacts corporate culture. Therefore, having the support of a consulting firm specialized in this approach and technology integration is undoubtedly an excellent strategy.
A new year has begun, and with it, new opportunities in the technology sector will emerge. In this sense, those who start preparing now will be ahead. After all, the future doesn’t wait—it starts today.
