IT Technologies In 2025: Prepare For The Fourth Industrial Revolution

This is certainly not the first time you've heard that technological change is accelerating. The fact is that it is unpredictable and unpredictable. As the World Economic Forum explains in its report "The Future of Jobs," the fourth industrial revolution has begun:

"Developments in previously unrelated fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and genetics and biotechnology continue to evolve and reinforce each other ... On average, by 2020, more than one-third of the desired core competencies of most occupations will consist of skills not considered critical to the job today."

10 technologies that will transform the global economy by 2025

With so many new technologies being developed in so many areas, it's not so easy to keep up. Every development is immediately considered "the next big thing." We've compiled a list of ten technologies that will play a key role in the fourth industrial revolution. For this, we have drawn on a report by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) and insights from Pluralsight experts. In the words of MGI, "Not every new technology will have a fundamental impact on our business or social lives - but some have real potential to change the status quo, upend the way we work and live, and reorder value pools."

1. Mobile internet

More and more users are using mobile devices to access the Internet. As a result, user interfaces, formats, sensors and apps are constantly evolving. By 2025, another 4.3 billion people could be using the mobile Internet.

2. Artificial intelligence

Machine learning and user interfaces such as speech and gesture recognition are constantly evolving, not only enabling higher productivity but also reducing knowledge workload.

3. Virtual and augmented reality

Goldman Sachs predicts that the virtual and augmented reality industry will turn over a whopping $80 billion by 2025, up from $7 billion currently. Technology infrastructures will be upgraded on a large scale and a new app ecosystem will emerge for consumers and businesses alike

4. Cloud technology

One of the most significant technologies of the last decade will be with us for the next few years. Almost all IT services and web apps could be delivered via the cloud. Given the ever-improving cybersecurity, more and more companies are using the public cloud.

5. Internet of things

Currently, over 9 billion devices are connected to the Internet. Over the next decade, it is estimated that this number will grow to between 50 billion and 1 trillion. Organizations will then face the challenge of integrating and protecting products, systems, devices, and even users.

6. Advanced robotics

Advances in artificial intelligence, machine vision, sensors, motors, hydraulics and materials will change the way products and services are delivered. In the future, there will be more technical professionals to develop, operate, and maintain sophisticated robots.

7. Biometric technologies

A recent survey of security experts found that 72 percent of companies intend to stop using traditional passwords by 2025. This paves the way for new authorization services around facial, voice, iris, hand and signature recognition.

8. 3D printing

3D printing could enable entirely new levels of individualized mass production and dramatically reduce supply chain costs. By 2025, the overall economic impact is estimated to be between $230 billion and $550 billion per year.

9. Genomics

Genetic engineering will evolve even further thanks to increasingly powerful computers. DNA sequencing and advanced analysis will improve agricultural production, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and increase life expectancy.

10. Blockchain

Blockchain technology is best known in the context of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. However, a recent report highlighted 64 different use cases of blockchain across 200 companies. Secure, streamlined contracts and transactions will drive commercial use.

Last, but not least: quantum computing

The use and acceptance of quantum computing are unclear at the moment, but the technology is emerging as a viable option away from all the hype. Google's Quantum AI Laboratory predicts that simpler quantum technologies will be commercially available in five years, helping companies increase revenue and reduce costs and infrastructure investments.

Employees in 2025: why enterprise learning is so important

These technologies could offer tremendous benefits to many companies - but they also pose significant challenges. The McKinsey report provides advice and tips to prepare for these challenges. The emphasis is on anticipating future needs through workforce development: "Our work lives will continue to change. That's why we need powerful training and retraining programs."

As the World Economic Forum sums it up, "In virtually all industries, changes - both technical and otherwise - mean that employee skills and qualifications have an ever-shorter half-life ... The talent we need to successfully navigate these changes and seize them as opportunities will be thin on the ground - if we don't start developing it today. Companies need to put the skills development of current and future talent at the heart of their growth strategy. They can no longer afford to sit back and wait for 'suitable staff'. They can only meet their talent needs if they rethink."