Digital transformation is often seen as the ultimate goal of technology use, but in reality this is a continuous process for companies.
In 2025, this process should be considered in an even more strategic way, because corporate success depends not only on the adoption of technology, but rather the maturity with which it is used (whether starting to digitize processes or already exploring the resources of Artificial Intelligence)
According to the "AI Index 2025" report, HAI, from Stanford, Brazil has been standing out for its annual growth in hiring specialized Artificial Intelligence professionals (217%). That's why, is recognized as one of the leading countries in training graduates in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Furthermore, the second edition of the Brazil Digital Transformation Index (ITDBr) showed that companies are making progress in this regard, with digital maturity surpassing 3,3 in 2023 to 3,7 in 2024. However, the study pointed out that cultural and structural barriers still limit a more comprehensive evolution
It is a scenario that reinforces the urgency to accelerate the technological innovation process so that digital maturity levels are transformed into tangible competitive advantage.
Understand your digital stage to act with precision
Digital maturity is a journey composed of three stages, since understanding each stage is essential to mapping appropriate technologies, direct investments and establish priorities that will maximize business impact
- Initial stagewith fragmented processes and low digitalization, it's time to create a technological foundation, with basic automation and integration in the IT structure
- Intermediate internshipwith partial digitization and limited integration between areas, the focus should be on connecting systems with more efficient operational flows
- Advanced internshiporganizations use real-time data, Artificial intelligence, Big Data and automation, prioritizing continuous innovation and personalized experiences for customers
Five essential technologies for 2025
This year, some technologies are emerging as pillars of competitiveness for companies at different levels of digital maturity. The five technologies in focus for a successfully executed strategy are
- Artificial Intelligencea study released by the Center for Management and Strategic Studies (CGEE) highlighted Brazil as one of the main hubs of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America, with 144 research units operating in sectors such as science, energy and agriculture. AI is essential for analyzing large amounts of data, predict demands, customize service and automate critical activities
- 5Gin Brazil, There is great growth potential starting from 5G. An Opensignal report, with evaluation in 137 countries, showed that Brazil is third in average download speed on 5G. More than that: it was ahead of first-world countries like the United States, Japan and Germany.5G enables real-time decision-making through Internet of Things (IoT) resources and connected experiences, improving performance in various sectors of the economy
- Cloud computingdata migration to the cloud increases flexibility, adapting resources according to demand and eliminating the need for high investments in hardware and infrastructure maintenance.
- Intelligent automation:redefine processes by going beyond the execution of repetitive tasks, optimizing operational flows and enabling accuracy according to thecore businessof the company.
- Advanced cybersecurityaccording to EY, 90% of identity breaches occur due to human error and, to reverse these risks, companies should invest in cybersecurity training programs
Digital asset protection ensures regulatory compliance in a landscape of increasing cyber threats. The implementation of security policies is mandatory to ensure the integrity of operations and business, avoiding financial and reputational damage
These five technologies, when integrated with intelligence, not only optimize operations, but also drive the differentiation of companies in their respective markets
Use of technologies requires objective criteria
For there to be real results, each of these technologies should prioritize impact and strategic alignment.
That's why, adopting new technologies without a proper plan is a mistake. It is essential to define how each technology is used, according to the criteria
- Company doorlarge organizations demand robust and customized solutions, while smaller companies benefit from modular and agile tools, as Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Tangible Return on Investment (ROI)all technology investments must deliver measurable value. Otherwise, the amount ceases to be an investment and becomes "expenditure"
- Integration with existing systemsavoiding operational interruption during integration is essential to strengthen productivity
- Scalability:the solutions should keep pace with the company's growth, without requiring constant reinvestments
Regardless of the maturity stage, these criteria are the foundation for sustainable digital growth, benefiting companies with greater operational efficiency, data-driven decision making and strengthening of the organizational culture focused on innovation
The proof of the importance of these benefits is in a McKinsey report, which concluded that companies with continuous investments in innovation, even in periods of uncertainty, tend to outperform their competitors. The differentiators for this overcoming are the involvement of professionals and the proper utilization of infrastructure, intellectual property and client relationships in identifying new market opportunities
Technology and people: the indispensable combination of digital transformation
Finally, it is worth emphasizing: digital transformation is not just about tools. It's about people. It is the synergy between technology, processes and talents that generate results from these tools.
Putting people at the center of the digital strategy, companies become more resilient, adaptable and ready to operate in a market that demands constant adaptations and reinventions
In 2025, digital transformation continues to be an imperative. The question is: is your company just keeping up, or is ready to lead
