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15.06.2025
Open Dialogue: World’s Future as a New Platform for Global Growth Investing in Technologies
Introduction
In the recent decades, the world has seen turbo-charged technological progress transforming all aspects of our lives. Fr om communications to manufacturing and fr om education to healthcare, the advancing technologies have revolutionized the way we live and work. According to the 2022 McKinsey report, the contribution of technologies to the global GDP could reach as much as 60% by 2030, driven mostly by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
Digitalization has had a profound impact on the labor market. According to the WEF The Future of Jobs Report 2020, over 50% of jobs will be automated, giv ing rise to new roles and competencies. This transformation, however, will encoun ter challenges, such as the need to reskill the workforce and ensure an equitable transition for all.
In 2023, investment in technology startups hit a record high of $300 billion globally, according to CB Insights. This upward trend will continue with investors focusing on AI, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and biotechnologies.
Technological evolutions have also enhanced global connectivity. Based on the 2021 report of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), over 4.6 billion people, or 59% of the world’s population, have access to the Internet today. Such connectivity has driven swift and widespread deployment of innovations as well as unprecedented cooperation between different countries and cultures. This essay takes a look at the global technology context, future investment projections, best bets in advanced technologies, and future scenarios that could shape the world in the years to come.
1. Global Technology Context
1.1. High-tech revolution
Technology revolution, which started in the 1980s with the advent of personal computers and the Internet, laid the groundwork for the digital transformation. Over the last two decades, technological innovation has been fast-forwarded by cloud computing, 5G mobile networks and AI breakthroughs. For instance, cloud computing systems provide on-demand access to computing power, cutting costs and boosting operational performance for businesses. The 5G technology offers higher broadband speeds and reliability of communications, enabling such appli cations as connected automobiles or the Internet of Things (IoT).
1.2. Digital impact
Digitalization has fundamentally changed the way companies operate and interact with customers. Data management has become central to business strate gies as data analytics can support better informed evidence-based decision-mak ing. Process automation has improved operational efficiency, reducing errors and increasing productivity. Moreover, digitalization led to the emergence of new business models, such as e-commerce platforms and streaming services that have transformed traditional sectors, including retail and entertainment.
1.3. Globalization and connectivity
Global interconnectedness has enabled fast dissemination of innovation and unprecedented cooperation between different countries and cultures. While help ing to strengthen international cooperation in areas like scientific research and technology development, globalization has brought about new challenges asso ciated with cybersecurity and crossborder regulation. Cyberattacks, for example, have become a global threat that calls for closer cooperation between governments and organizations to protect critical infrastructure.
2. Projected Global Investments
2.1. Technology investment trends
Technology investments have been growing relentlessly, especially into inno vation startups and emerging technologies. In 2023, CB Insights reported that global investments in tech startups hit a record high of $300 billion, the most popular sectors being AI, blockchain, IoT and biotech. Investors tend to look for opportunities in fast-growing sectors with potential for transforming the global economy.
2.2. Government policy and fiscal stimulus
Many governments are pursuing strategies to promote technology innovation through tax incentives, subsidies and public-private partnerships. For example, the European Union launched its €95.5 billion Horizon Europe program for 2021–2027 to fund R&D and innovation projects. Russia has also invested quite heavily in the technology sector, especially AI, robotics and defense tech, wh ere investments exceeded ₽1 trillion (about $15 billion) in 2022. China has set up the National Ven ture Capital Guidance Fund to mobilize nearly ¥1 trillion (about $138 billion) for supporting innovative technology startups. In 2021, the United States invested over $1 trillion in the IT sector. Such policy aims to create a nurturing environment for startups and support emerging technologies. Also, companies have been offered tax benefits, such as R&D tax credits, to encourage investment in innovation projects.
2.3. Priority investment sectors
Top priority sectors for investing are digital healthcare, renewable energy, cybersecurity and industrial automation. Digital healthcare includes telemedicine and wearable health monitoring devices that increase accessibility and quality of healthcare services. Renewable energy is another key sector wh ere investments in solar and wind technology contribute to the low-carbon economy transition. Cybersecurity has become a top priority because of the growing number of cyber attacks, underscoring the need to develop innovative solutions to protect data and critical infrastructure.
3. Transformative Technologies as Investment Opportunities
3.1. AI and machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been driving revolutionary transformations across multiple sectors, fr om healthcare to finance. Its applications include advanced medical diagnostics, smart virtual assistants and predictive analyt ics. Machine learning algorithms can process huge arrays of medical data to identify patterns and predict diseases, delivering substantial improvements in the quality of diagnosis and treatment. AI-based virtual assistants provide efficient customer sup port, helping to raise the quality of service and drive down operational costs.
3.2. Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
Blockchain offers a safe and transparent mechanism to record transactions. It is the underlying system for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are transforming the financial sector, and is also increasingly used in sup ply chain management and smart contracts. Blockchain offers tools to track prod uct provenance and movement along supply chains, increasing transparency and minimizing fraud risks. Smart contracts, which can self-execute using blockchain, allow companies to streamline business processes and cut transactional costs.
3.3. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things connects devices and systems to support data collec tion and exchange. Its applications vary from smart homes to connected industrial systems wh ere it boosts process efficiency and provides the basis for new business models. For example, IoT devices in smart homes can automatically control light ing, heating and security systems, making homes more comfortable and energy efficient. In manufacturing, IoT sensors are used to monitor equipment perfor mance and predict potential breakdowns, cutting downtime and enhancing pro ductivity.
3.4. Virtual reality and augmented reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been transforming the entertainment industry, education and trade. These technologies create immersive and interactive experience, transforming how we learn, work and have fun. VR can be used to simulate a realistic training environment that allows employees to safely learn new skills. AR augments the real world with digital information, expanding user experience in such areas as retail commerce and tourism. 3.5. Biotechnologies and personalized medicine
Biotechnologies have radically changed healthcare capabilities in genomics, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Personalized medicine offers custom ized treatments based on the patient’s genetic profile, considerably increasing the effectiveness of medical interventions. Genomics uses biotechnology to ana lyze patients’ DNA to identify genetic mutations and predispositions to diseases, enabling preventive interventions and target therapy. Gene therapy, in turn, seeks to correct genetic defects that are the root cause of some diseases, giving the hope of curing previously incurable conditions.
4. Future Scenarios
4.1. Socioeconomic implications of new technologies
New technologies can potentially raise the quality of life, create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth. However, they can also exacerbate inequalities and need a balanced management approach to avoid damaging social consequences. Automation, for instance, can erode employment in some sectors that would require reskilling programs and supporting measures for affected workers. Addi tionally, it is critical to ensure universal access to advanced technologies to avoid the digital divide that can further widen social and economic inequalities.
4.2. Ethical and regulatory challenges
Adoption of new technologies raises important ethical and regulatory questions. Data privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI application are only some of the chal lenges that governments and organizations have to deal with. For example, the use of AI for business decision-making and government administration raises concerns regarding transparency and accountability. Regulatory frameworks should be updated to safeguard the rights of citizens and ensure ethical application of new technologies.
4.3. Looking forward
In the future, we are likely to witness further acceleration of the technological progress and arrival of innovative solutions that we can only imagine today. Global cooperation and investments in R&D are becoming key to resolving new problems and taking full advantage of emerging opportunities. The WEF report estimates that, by 2030, 70% of new skills that will be in demand on the labor market will be related to new technologies. Furthermore, disruptive technologies, like thermonuclear fusion and quantum computing, could even more radically redefine the technology landscape, opening up unprecedented opportunities and creating new challenges.
Conclusions
In conclusion, it would be fair to say that the technological progress will remain the primary driver for innovation and global development. Investment in advanced technologies will play a decisive role in overcoming future challenges and shaping a more connected and thriving world. It is fundamentally important that govern ments, companies and citizens join forces to ensure ethical and sustainable use of these technologies for the good of all humanity.
In order to alleviate economic and strategic tensions, it would be advisable to create a global platform for open innovations. It could be used by countries to freely and openly share technologies without any barriers or restrictions, allowing each state to borrow from others technologies which they do not possess or which are not as advanced as what they currently have.
This sharing process would help to:
• reduce duplication of technologies;
• cut costs (e.g. administrative, healthcare, transactional, etc.);
• optimize allocation of human resources and investments;
• establish fair trade relations;
• provide better quality services for most people in the world;
• deepen the links between states and ease economic conflicts.
This may seem to be a titanic task, but technologies in their early stages have always promoted the progress of human civilization, which later gave rise to con f licts of various kinds.
An open technology platform could contribute to equitable and lasting prog ress, helping to unite people and improve the quality of life for the nations.
Supplementary information
Growth of technology spending. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Global Tech nology Leadership Study, corporate technology spending demonstrates growth around the globe. The average tech budget as a percentage of revenue was up from 4.25% in 2020 to 5.49% in 2022 and expected to rise to 9.8% by 2025.
Impact on labor market. AI and automation are transforming the labor market. According to the World Economic Forum data, automation may affect 85 jobs by 2025, creating 97 million new functions. However, it is important to manage this tran sition carefully to avoid inequalities and secure a fair distribution of technology gains.
Future technology trends. Key projected technology trends in 2025 include advanced AI systems, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and collaborative robots. These technologies will have a significant impact on automated decision-making and the nature of interactions between people.
Growth opportunities. Investors show considerable interest for new technol ogies, such as AI, semiconductors, cloud computing and renewable energy. The global economy is expected to provide a powerful impetus to the tech sector devel opment in 2025.
Ethical and regulatory challenges. Adoption of new technologies raises a number of serious ethical and regulatory questions. Data privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI application are only some of the challenges that governments and organizations have to deal with. Regulatory frameworks need to be updated to safeguard the rights of citizens and ensure ethical application of technology.
In the recent decades, the world has seen turbo-charged technological progress transforming all aspects of our lives. Fr om communications to manufacturing and fr om education to healthcare, the advancing technologies have revolutionized the way we live and work. According to the 2022 McKinsey report, the contribution of technologies to the global GDP could reach as much as 60% by 2030, driven mostly by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
Digitalization has had a profound impact on the labor market. According to the WEF The Future of Jobs Report 2020, over 50% of jobs will be automated, giv ing rise to new roles and competencies. This transformation, however, will encoun ter challenges, such as the need to reskill the workforce and ensure an equitable transition for all.
In 2023, investment in technology startups hit a record high of $300 billion globally, according to CB Insights. This upward trend will continue with investors focusing on AI, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and biotechnologies.
Technological evolutions have also enhanced global connectivity. Based on the 2021 report of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), over 4.6 billion people, or 59% of the world’s population, have access to the Internet today. Such connectivity has driven swift and widespread deployment of innovations as well as unprecedented cooperation between different countries and cultures. This essay takes a look at the global technology context, future investment projections, best bets in advanced technologies, and future scenarios that could shape the world in the years to come.
1. Global Technology Context
1.1. High-tech revolution
Technology revolution, which started in the 1980s with the advent of personal computers and the Internet, laid the groundwork for the digital transformation. Over the last two decades, technological innovation has been fast-forwarded by cloud computing, 5G mobile networks and AI breakthroughs. For instance, cloud computing systems provide on-demand access to computing power, cutting costs and boosting operational performance for businesses. The 5G technology offers higher broadband speeds and reliability of communications, enabling such appli cations as connected automobiles or the Internet of Things (IoT).
1.2. Digital impact
Digitalization has fundamentally changed the way companies operate and interact with customers. Data management has become central to business strate gies as data analytics can support better informed evidence-based decision-mak ing. Process automation has improved operational efficiency, reducing errors and increasing productivity. Moreover, digitalization led to the emergence of new business models, such as e-commerce platforms and streaming services that have transformed traditional sectors, including retail and entertainment.
1.3. Globalization and connectivity
Global interconnectedness has enabled fast dissemination of innovation and unprecedented cooperation between different countries and cultures. While help ing to strengthen international cooperation in areas like scientific research and technology development, globalization has brought about new challenges asso ciated with cybersecurity and crossborder regulation. Cyberattacks, for example, have become a global threat that calls for closer cooperation between governments and organizations to protect critical infrastructure.
2. Projected Global Investments
2.1. Technology investment trends
Technology investments have been growing relentlessly, especially into inno vation startups and emerging technologies. In 2023, CB Insights reported that global investments in tech startups hit a record high of $300 billion, the most popular sectors being AI, blockchain, IoT and biotech. Investors tend to look for opportunities in fast-growing sectors with potential for transforming the global economy.
2.2. Government policy and fiscal stimulus
Many governments are pursuing strategies to promote technology innovation through tax incentives, subsidies and public-private partnerships. For example, the European Union launched its €95.5 billion Horizon Europe program for 2021–2027 to fund R&D and innovation projects. Russia has also invested quite heavily in the technology sector, especially AI, robotics and defense tech, wh ere investments exceeded ₽1 trillion (about $15 billion) in 2022. China has set up the National Ven ture Capital Guidance Fund to mobilize nearly ¥1 trillion (about $138 billion) for supporting innovative technology startups. In 2021, the United States invested over $1 trillion in the IT sector. Such policy aims to create a nurturing environment for startups and support emerging technologies. Also, companies have been offered tax benefits, such as R&D tax credits, to encourage investment in innovation projects.
2.3. Priority investment sectors
Top priority sectors for investing are digital healthcare, renewable energy, cybersecurity and industrial automation. Digital healthcare includes telemedicine and wearable health monitoring devices that increase accessibility and quality of healthcare services. Renewable energy is another key sector wh ere investments in solar and wind technology contribute to the low-carbon economy transition. Cybersecurity has become a top priority because of the growing number of cyber attacks, underscoring the need to develop innovative solutions to protect data and critical infrastructure.
3. Transformative Technologies as Investment Opportunities
3.1. AI and machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been driving revolutionary transformations across multiple sectors, fr om healthcare to finance. Its applications include advanced medical diagnostics, smart virtual assistants and predictive analyt ics. Machine learning algorithms can process huge arrays of medical data to identify patterns and predict diseases, delivering substantial improvements in the quality of diagnosis and treatment. AI-based virtual assistants provide efficient customer sup port, helping to raise the quality of service and drive down operational costs.
3.2. Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
Blockchain offers a safe and transparent mechanism to record transactions. It is the underlying system for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are transforming the financial sector, and is also increasingly used in sup ply chain management and smart contracts. Blockchain offers tools to track prod uct provenance and movement along supply chains, increasing transparency and minimizing fraud risks. Smart contracts, which can self-execute using blockchain, allow companies to streamline business processes and cut transactional costs.
3.3. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things connects devices and systems to support data collec tion and exchange. Its applications vary from smart homes to connected industrial systems wh ere it boosts process efficiency and provides the basis for new business models. For example, IoT devices in smart homes can automatically control light ing, heating and security systems, making homes more comfortable and energy efficient. In manufacturing, IoT sensors are used to monitor equipment perfor mance and predict potential breakdowns, cutting downtime and enhancing pro ductivity.
3.4. Virtual reality and augmented reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been transforming the entertainment industry, education and trade. These technologies create immersive and interactive experience, transforming how we learn, work and have fun. VR can be used to simulate a realistic training environment that allows employees to safely learn new skills. AR augments the real world with digital information, expanding user experience in such areas as retail commerce and tourism. 3.5. Biotechnologies and personalized medicine
Biotechnologies have radically changed healthcare capabilities in genomics, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Personalized medicine offers custom ized treatments based on the patient’s genetic profile, considerably increasing the effectiveness of medical interventions. Genomics uses biotechnology to ana lyze patients’ DNA to identify genetic mutations and predispositions to diseases, enabling preventive interventions and target therapy. Gene therapy, in turn, seeks to correct genetic defects that are the root cause of some diseases, giving the hope of curing previously incurable conditions.
4. Future Scenarios
4.1. Socioeconomic implications of new technologies
New technologies can potentially raise the quality of life, create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth. However, they can also exacerbate inequalities and need a balanced management approach to avoid damaging social consequences. Automation, for instance, can erode employment in some sectors that would require reskilling programs and supporting measures for affected workers. Addi tionally, it is critical to ensure universal access to advanced technologies to avoid the digital divide that can further widen social and economic inequalities.
4.2. Ethical and regulatory challenges
Adoption of new technologies raises important ethical and regulatory questions. Data privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI application are only some of the chal lenges that governments and organizations have to deal with. For example, the use of AI for business decision-making and government administration raises concerns regarding transparency and accountability. Regulatory frameworks should be updated to safeguard the rights of citizens and ensure ethical application of new technologies.
4.3. Looking forward
In the future, we are likely to witness further acceleration of the technological progress and arrival of innovative solutions that we can only imagine today. Global cooperation and investments in R&D are becoming key to resolving new problems and taking full advantage of emerging opportunities. The WEF report estimates that, by 2030, 70% of new skills that will be in demand on the labor market will be related to new technologies. Furthermore, disruptive technologies, like thermonuclear fusion and quantum computing, could even more radically redefine the technology landscape, opening up unprecedented opportunities and creating new challenges.
Conclusions
In conclusion, it would be fair to say that the technological progress will remain the primary driver for innovation and global development. Investment in advanced technologies will play a decisive role in overcoming future challenges and shaping a more connected and thriving world. It is fundamentally important that govern ments, companies and citizens join forces to ensure ethical and sustainable use of these technologies for the good of all humanity.
In order to alleviate economic and strategic tensions, it would be advisable to create a global platform for open innovations. It could be used by countries to freely and openly share technologies without any barriers or restrictions, allowing each state to borrow from others technologies which they do not possess or which are not as advanced as what they currently have.
This sharing process would help to:
• reduce duplication of technologies;
• cut costs (e.g. administrative, healthcare, transactional, etc.);
• optimize allocation of human resources and investments;
• establish fair trade relations;
• provide better quality services for most people in the world;
• deepen the links between states and ease economic conflicts.
This may seem to be a titanic task, but technologies in their early stages have always promoted the progress of human civilization, which later gave rise to con f licts of various kinds.
An open technology platform could contribute to equitable and lasting prog ress, helping to unite people and improve the quality of life for the nations.
Supplementary information
Growth of technology spending. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Global Tech nology Leadership Study, corporate technology spending demonstrates growth around the globe. The average tech budget as a percentage of revenue was up from 4.25% in 2020 to 5.49% in 2022 and expected to rise to 9.8% by 2025.
Impact on labor market. AI and automation are transforming the labor market. According to the World Economic Forum data, automation may affect 85 jobs by 2025, creating 97 million new functions. However, it is important to manage this tran sition carefully to avoid inequalities and secure a fair distribution of technology gains.
Future technology trends. Key projected technology trends in 2025 include advanced AI systems, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and collaborative robots. These technologies will have a significant impact on automated decision-making and the nature of interactions between people.
Growth opportunities. Investors show considerable interest for new technol ogies, such as AI, semiconductors, cloud computing and renewable energy. The global economy is expected to provide a powerful impetus to the tech sector devel opment in 2025.
Ethical and regulatory challenges. Adoption of new technologies raises a number of serious ethical and regulatory questions. Data privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI application are only some of the challenges that governments and organizations have to deal with. Regulatory frameworks need to be updated to safeguard the rights of citizens and ensure ethical application of technology.
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