108-page report, 'Fifth edition', 13 numbered trends in three groups. Equity investment (2024) and job-postings change (2023–24) per trend in notes. Adoption score graphical only, not recorded. rank = printed trend number; forecast entries carry their trend's rank.
Agentic AI is an artificial intelligence system capable of independently planning and executing complex, multistep tasks.
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Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
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Application-specific semiconductors are purpose-built chips optimized to perform specialized tasks.
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Advanced connectivity has continued to grow across interest and innovation metrics from 2023 to 2024 and is a leader among the trends for number of patents granted.
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Cloud and edge computing involve distributing workloads across locations, from hyperscale remote data centers to regional hubs and local nodes.
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Immersive-reality technologies encompass augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) and include AR smart glasses, advanced haptic feedback, and AI-powered enhancements that improve rendering, tracking, and processing capabilities.
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Digital trust and cybersecurity covers technologies and practices designed to ensure secure, transparent, and trustworthy digital interactions.
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Quantum-based technologies make use of the unique properties of quantum mechanics to execute certain complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers
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The future of robotics covers the advancement of robotics capable of performing tasks autonomously or semiautonomously
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Mobility technologies include autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, drones, urban air mobility solutions, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and micromobility
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Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to biology, utilizing technological advancements (for example, gene editing, synthetic biology) to improve health and human performance, transform food value chains, and create innovative offerings.
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Space technologies cover satellite systems, launch vehicles, habitation modules, and exploration missions
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Energy and sustainability technologies encompass a broad spectrum of innovations aimed at transforming the global energy landscape toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
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Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are each projected to spend $70 billion to more than $100 billion on AI-related capital expenditures in 2025
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The global network-slicing market, which provides specific performance characteristics across each slice of a network, is projected to reach $1.69 billion in 2025, an increase of 49.6 percent compared with $1.13 billion in 2024.
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The AR/VR market saw steady but modest growth in 2024, with headset shipments increasing by 10 percent, though forecasts suggest growth may slow in 2025.
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India is scaling its production capacity and is expected to become the second-largest solar PV manufacturer by 2026.
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Gartner projects that by 2027, 40 percent of gen AI solutions will be multimodal, up from just 1 percent in 2023.
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McKinsey analysis suggests that, in a midrange scenario, demand for AI-ready data center capacity will rise at an average rate of 33 percent a year between 2023 and 2030.
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This means that about 70 percent of total demand for data center capacity will be for data centers equipped to host workloads from AI systems by 2030.
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A global shortage of skilled semiconductor workers that could lead to a significant shortfall by 2030 is delaying production and threatening supply chain stability.
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North America is at the forefront, with 77 percent population coverage and an expected 89 percent adoption rate by 2030
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hyperscale data center capacity is projected to triple by 2030
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McKinsey analysis suggests that global demand for data center capacity could rise 19 to 22 percent annually from 2023 to 2030, more than tripling current demand and reaching 171 to 219 gigawatts a year.
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Market size is projected to increase from $6.27 billion in 2024 to $32.86 billion by 2032, a CAGR of 23 percent.
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Delivery drone services are expected to reach $29 billion by 2034, a CAGR of 40 percent.
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Unit costs are expected to lower significantly by 2035, as companies achieve greater vehicle utilization, make operational improvements, and reduce R&D needs.
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The market opportunity is massive—up to approximately $900 billion by 2040
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Depending on decarbonization pathways, policy support, and the pace of technological progress, nuclear power could account for anywhere from 8 to 43 percent of global electricity by 2040
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