Technology in 2025: 4IR - Fourth Industrial Revolution

You've heard this before — the rate of technological change is accelerating. It's unpredictable and unprecedented. As the World Economic Forum acknowledged in its Future of Jobs report, we’re entering a fourth industrial revolution:

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Developments in previously  disjointed fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning,  robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and genetics and biotechnology are all  building on and amplifying one another . . . On average, by 2020, more than a  third of the desired core skill sets of most occupations will be comprised of  skills that are not yet considered crucial to the job today.

The key to surviving this new industrial revolution is leading it. That requires two key elements of agile businesses: awareness of disruptive technology and a plan to develop talent that can make the most of it. 

10 technologies that will transform the global economy by 2025 
With so many technologies emerging on so many fronts, it’s a challenge to keep up. Every advance is billed as “the next big thing.” Combining a report by The McKinsey Global Institute and knowledge of Pluralsight’s subject-matter experts, we’ve compiled a list of 10 technologies that will lead the fourth industrial revolution. As the Institute notes, “Not every emerging technology will alter the business or social landscape – but some truly do have the potential to disrupt the status quo, alter the way people live and work, and rearrange value pools.”

1. Mobile Internet
Interfaces, formats, sensors and  apps will evolve as mobile computing devices dominate internet connectivity.

By 2025, mobile connectivity could be accessed by an additional 4.3 billion  people.

2. Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning and user interfaces such as speech and gesture recognition technology will advance to increase productivity or eliminate some knowledge  work altogether. 

3. Virtual and augmented reality
 Goldman Sachs is betting on the virtual and augmented  reality industry to become an $80 billion market by 2025 – it’s around $7  billion right now. Major upgrades will come to technology infrastructure and  an ecosystem of apps will form for consumers and enterprises alike. 

4. Cloud technology
 One of the biggest buzzwords of the  last decade will continue to impact the next. Nearly all IT services and web  apps could be delivered through the cloud with more enterprises using the  public cloud as cyber security improves.

6.  Advanced robotics
 Advances in artificial  intelligence, machine vision, sensors, motors, hydraulics and materials will  change the way products and services are delivered. A surge in tech talent  for building, operating and maintaining advanced robots will occur. 

7. Biometric technology
A recent survey of security professionals revealed that 72  percent of companies are planning to drop traditional passwords by 2025. This  will give rise to new authorization services for face, voice, eye, hand and  signature identification. 

8. 3D printing
 3D printing could enable unprecedented levels of mass customization and  dramatically reduce the cost of supply chains generating an estimated  economic impact of $230 to $550 billion annually by 2025. 

9. Genomics
 Genetic engineering technology will  grow with faster computer processing speeds. DNA sequencing technologies and  advanced analytics will improve agricultural production, reduce reliance on  fossil fuels and extend human life expectancy. 

10. Blockchain
 Blockchain is best known in the context of virtual currency Bitcoin, but  a recent report showed 64 different use cases of blockchain  across 200 companies. Streamlined, secure contracting and transacting will  drive commercial use.

Wildcard: Quantum computing 
The application and adoption of quantum computing is unclear, but the technology is moving beyond the hype. Google’s Quantum AI Laboratory predicts that small quantum technologies will be commercially available in five years and will help businesses increase revenue, reduce costs and lower investments in infrastructure. 

The 2025 workforce: Enterprise learning required
These technologies could have huge benefits for many companies – but they will also create big challenges. The McKinsey report includes a few suggestions to prepare for those challenges, emphasizing anticipating future needs through employee training: “The nature of work will continue to change, and that will require strong education and retraining programs.”

The World Economic Forum concurs: “Across nearly all industries, the impact of technological and other changes is shortening the shelf-the shelf employees’ existing skill sets. . . . The talent to manage, shape and lead the changes underway will be in short supply unless we take action today to develop it. Businesses will need to put talent development and future workforce front and center to their growth. Firms can no longer be passive consumers of ready-made human capital. They require a new mindset to meet the to talent needs.”

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With the rise of the 4IR, businesses need to adapt and integrate with the current developments in the Tech world. Companies and individuals use the various technological advancements which continuously transform the global economy. At Liorra, we strive to provide our clients with the Tech they need to ensure that they are not only maintaining industry standards but continue growing at the forefront.

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