The global economy is undergoing seismic shifts, shaped by changing demographics, climate pressures, supply chain upheavals, and mounting geopolitical tensions. Over the next decade, technology adoption and innovation will accelerate as societies adapt to these forces. 15 breakthrough technologies, led by artificial superintelligence, are set to redefine industries and everyday life by 2035, reports GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Tech in 2035,” reveals that artificial superintelligence will be the most significant technological breakthrough of the century. Other technologies that are set to reshape our lives include quantum computing, polyfunctional robots, brain-computer interfaces, and small modular reactors. The report examines industry applications and use cases for each technology, offering projections outlining their development trajectories leading up to 2035.

Xander Hartley, Associate Analyst, Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData, comments: “The world will be a very different place in 2035. The global population will be both growing and aging. In aging countries like Japan, South Korea, and Italy, technologies that address labor shortages, like polyfunctional robots, will become crucial. On the other hand, Africa will experience a significant youth bulge.

“Meanwhile, natural disasters and extreme weather events will become more frequent. The loss of biodiversity alone will have a massive destabilising effect. We will likely see regulators rolling out emissions pricing to incentivise action, led by the EU and China.”

The report forecasts a quantum revolution by 2035, which will catalyse a giant leap in drug discovery and complex financial modelling. Additionally, the report posits polyfunctional robots to be capable of carrying out over 50 different tasks without modification by 2035. This will help resolve labor shortages across multiple industries. Over the next decade, technologies like brain-computer interfaces, gene editing, and 4D printing will all reach commercialisation.

Hartley continues: “Just as technological breakthroughs respond to the changing world, so will those breakthroughs feed into macro trends. Progress in artificial intelligence, biotech, quantum, and the new space race will fuel rivalries between major powers like the US and China.”

Opportunities are exceptional, but so are the risks

While there will be a gold rush to adopt new technologies and embrace innovation, obstacles and risks lie ahead. Effectively mitigating these will be key to succeeding in the new world and creating lasting improvements.

Sophie Gallagher, Associate Analyst, Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData, comments: “Data privacy and security are two major concerns, especially for healthcare technologies like brain-computer interfaces. They will need protection from a new generation of cyberattacks, as innovations in fields like quantum and artificial intelligence increase hackers’ capabilities.

“For instance, while artificial superintelligence could be the key to solving our biggest problems, there is a risk that bad actors use it to develop destructive weaponry. This may drive a new era of conflict.”

Gallagher concludes: “Businesses should also be aware that many of these technologies are dependent on others. The promise of urban air mobility, for instance, relies heavily on breakthroughs in battery technology. They will need to invest strategically and keep track of neighboring developments to reap the full benefits.”