The digital sector is a rapidly evolving industry that is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. In recent years, several global trends have emerged in digital innovation that are driving the sector forward, including:

1.     Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI and machine learning are transforming digital innovation by enabling new applications and services, such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and personalized recommendations. AI-powered solutions can improve productivity, efficiency, and customer experiences.

2.     Internet of Things (IoT): IoT involves connecting everyday devices and objects to the internet, enabling them to communicate with each other and with users. IoT is driving innovation in smart homes, connected cars, and industrial automation, among other areas.

3.     5G and edge computing: 5G is the next generation of wireless technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. 5G, along with edge computing, can enable new applications and services, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality.

4.     Cloud computing: Cloud computing involves delivering computing services over the internet, enabling users to access data and applications from anywhere. Cloud computing is driving innovation in software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) offerings.

5.     Cybersecurity and data privacy: As digital innovation expands, so do concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy. Innovations in cybersecurity and data privacy can help protect digital assets and build trust among users.

6.     Blockchain: Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions. Blockchain is driving innovation in financial services, supply chain management, and digital identity, among other areas.

These global trends in digital innovation are driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer behaviors, and the need for more efficient and secure digital systems. Companies that can innovate in these areas can create competitive advantages, improve user experiences, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable digital economy.

 

Future trends and investments in relevant technologies are:

 

·       Advanced connectivity

5G/6G cellular, wireless low-power networks, low-Earth-orbit satellites, and other technologies support a host of digital solutions that can drive growth and productivity across industries.

·       Future of bioengineering

Converging biological and information technologies improve health and human performance, transform food value chains, and create innovative products and services.

·       Future of clean energy

Clean-energy solutions help drive toward net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions across the energy value chain, from power generation to power storage and distribution.

·       Future of sustainable consumption

Sustainable consumption involves transforming industrial and individual consumption through technology to address environmental risks, including climate change.

·       Web3

Web3 includes platforms and applications that enable shifts toward a future, decentralised internet with open standards and protocols while protecting digital-ownership rights, providing users with greater ownership of their data and catalysing new business models.

·       Industrializing machine learning

Industrialised machine learning (ML) uses software and hardware solutions to accelerate the development and deployment of ML and to support performance monitoring, stability, and ongoing improvement.

·       Immersive-reality technologies

Immersive-reality technologies use sensing technologies and spatial computing to help users “see the world differently” through mixed or augmented reality or “see a different world” through virtual reality.

·       Cloud and edge computing

Cloud and edge computing involves distributing computing workloads across remote data centers and local nodes to improve data sovereignty, autonomy, resource productivity, latency, and security.

·       Trust architectures and digital identity

Digital-trust technologies enable organisations to build, scale, and maintain the trust of stakeholders in the use of their data and digital-enabled products and services.

·       Next-generation software development