Digital transformation is often seen as the final destination for the use of technology, but in reality this is a continuous process for companies.
In 2025, this process should be considered even more strategically, as corporate success does not depend only on the adoption of technology, but on the maturity with which it is used (either starting to digitize processes or already exploring the resources of artificial intelligence).
According to Stanford’s “AI Index 2025” report by Stanford, Brazil has been standing out for the annual growth in hiring professionals specializing in artificial intelligence: (217%). Therefore, it is recognized as one of the main countries in the training of graduates in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
In addition, the second edition of the Transformação Digital Brasil Index (ITBR) showed that companies are advancing in this direction, with digital maturity going from 3.3 in 2023 to 3.7 in 2024. However, the study pointed out that the cultural and structural barriers still limit a broader evolution.
It is a scenario that reinforces the urgency to accelerate the process of technological innovation so that the levels of digital maturity are transformed into a tangible competitive advantage.
Understand your digital stage to act accurately
Digital maturity is a journey consisting of three stages, and Understanding each stage is critical to mapping appropriate technologies, directing investments and establishing priorities that will maximize business impact.
- Initial stage: With fragmented processes and low digitization, it is time to create a technological base, with basic automation and integration in the IT structure.
- Intermediate Stage: With partial digitization and limited integration between areas, the focus should be on connecting systems with more efficient operating flows.
- Advanced stage: Organizations use real-time data, artificial intelligence, big data and automation, prioritizing continuous innovation and personalized customer experiences.
Five 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 evidence for a successfully executed strategy are:
- artificial intelligence: A study released by the Center for Management and Strategic Studies (CGEE) highlighted Brazil as one of the main artificial intelligence centers in Latin America, with 144 research units working in sectors such as science, energy and agriculture. AI is key to analyzing large amounts of data, predicting demands, personalizing service and automating critical activities.
- 5G: In Brazil, there is a great potential for growth from 5G onwards. An OpenSignal report, with an evaluation in 137 countries, showed that Brazil is the third place at an average download speed in 5G. More than that: it was ahead of first world countries such as the United States, Japan and Germany.
- Cloud Computing: Migration of data to the cloud enhances flexibility by adapting resources according to demand and eliminating the need for high investments in hardware and infrastructure maintenance.
- Smart automation: resets processes by going beyond the execution of repetitive tasks, optimizing operational flows and allowing assertiveness according to the core business from the company.
- Advanced cybersecurity: According to EY, 90% of identity violations occur due to human error and, to reverse these risks, companies must Invest in cybersecurity training programs.
The protection of digital assets ensures regulatory compliance in a scenario of increasing cyber threats. The implementation of security policies is mandatory to ensure the integrity of the operation 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 real results, each of these technologies must prioritize the impact and strategic alignment.
Therefore, adopting new technologies without planning involved is a mistake. It is essential to define how each technology is used, according to the criteria:
- Company size: Large organizations demand robust and personalized solutions, while smaller companies benefit from modular and agile tools, such as software as a service (SaaS).
- Return on investment (ROI) tangible: Every investment in technology must deliver measurable value. Otherwise, the value is no longer an investment and becomes “expensive”.
- Integration with existing systems: Avoid operational interruption during integration It is essential to strengthen productivity.
- scalability: The solutions must accompany the growth of the company, without requiring constant reinvestment.
Regardless of the stage of maturity, these criteria are the basis for sustainable digital growth, benefiting companies with greater operational efficiency, data-driven decision making and strengthening of the organizational culture focused on innovation.
Proof of the importance of these benefits lies in a McKinsey report, which concluded that companies with continuous investments in innovation, even in periods of uncertainty, tend to surpass their competitors. The differentials for this overcoming are the involvement of professionals and the correct use of infrastructure, intellectual property and customer relationship in the identification of new market opportunities.
Technology and people: the indispensable combination of digital transformation
Finally, it is worth stressing: digital transformation is not just about tools. It’s about people. It is the synergy between technology, processes and talents that generates results from these tools.
By putting people at the center of the digital strategy, companies become more resilient, adaptable and ready to work in a market that requires constant adaptations and reinventions.
In 2025, digital transformation remains an imperative. The question is: is your company just following up, or is it ready to lead?
