Expectations and Emerging Trends
As we look ahead to 2025, Europe is gearing up for significant advancements in digital technology to strengthen its economy and maintain global competitiveness.
Having in mind the EC vision for developing European economic area, available programs and calls in the recent years, upcoming changes and expansions in legislations, we will try to outline the anticipated priorities and emerging trends shaping the digital ecosystem in the coming years, highlighting key areas of innovation and development.
The Rise of AI and Generative AI
Artificial intelligence continues to be a central focus and we anticipate a surge in the development. AI technologies are expected to become more sophisticated, moving beyond current capabilities to incorporate advanced forms of reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Generative AI (GenAI), a subset of AI focused on creating new content and ideas, will likely see substantial growth and becoming essential in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.
Efforts will center around developing large-scale AI models that can understand and process natural language more effectively, leading to applications across diverse sectors such as healthcare, finance, and public administration.
We have already seen importance of implementing AI technology in the EU projects, and AI development will continue and will be expected in different levels, such as:
- Enhancing learning strategies by improving AI adaptability and reasoning capabilities)
- Compliance with EU regulations especially focusing on ensuring data privacy and ethical use of AI technologies.
- Integration of AI in industry where AI-driven automation can enhance productivity and sustainability
Data Ecosystems and Synthetic Data
The digital future hinges on robust data ecosystems that prioritize security, privacy, and compliance. There will be a significant push towards creating innovative and compliant data ecosystems that simplify compliance processes for businesses and professionals.
We have already seen this trend, and CRACoWi project*, in which we take the lead for Communication and dissemination is a good example of intentions to simplify and speed up a process when trying to make digital product compliant with Cyber Resilience Act.
(*The CRACoWi project is a DEP (Digital Europe Program) funded deployment project that commenced on September 1. In this project, 12 partners from 4 EU countries have joined forces to design tools that help SMEs in Europe meet new EU cybersecurity regulations (CRA - Cyber Resilience Act). CRACoWi simplifies the process of getting the necessary certifications and documentation.)
Data is the backbone of the digital economy, so we’ll see an increased use of synthetic data—artificially generated data that mimics real-world data but without privacy concerns.
- Utilizing Synthetic Data to overcome the limitations of real-world data, such as availability and bias, synthetic data will be increasingly generated and used to enhance data quality, diversity, and representativeness.
- Interoperability and Standardization made to ensure seamless data sharing across platforms and sectors while maintaining a high level of security and protection. This will involve adopting standardized protocols and frameworks that facilitate interoperability.
- User Training and Support: Comprehensive training programs will be necessary to help organizations adapt to evolving regulations and leverage new technologies effectively.
The Cognitive Computing Continuum
The future of digital technology will see the expansion of the cognitive computing continuum, integrating cloud, edge, and IoT environments. This continuum is critical for supporting the processing needs of AI workloads, particularly those involving large-scale data and computational demands. Known as the Cloud-to-Edge Continuum, this approach aims to support the enormous data processing needs of next-generation AI and digital applications. Europe is investing heavily in creating a seamless digital infrastructure that integrates all those things.
Expectations for 2025 include:
- Seamless Integration: Developing tools and techniques to ensure smooth integration across cloud, edge, and IoT environments, enabling distributed AI applications.
- Energy Efficiency and Resource Optimization: With the growing emphasis on sustainability, there will be a focus on optimizing energy use and reducing emissions across computing environments.
- Enhanced Openness and Autonomy: The goal is to achieve greater strategic autonomy and openness in the evolving AI and data economies, fostering collaboration with international partners and ensuring interoperability.
Quantum Computing and High-Performance Technologies
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize various industries by providing unprecedented computational power. As Forbes mentioned, global powers, led by China, have already invested more than $55 billion in this technology.
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries by solving problems that current computers can't handle. The EU is pushing forward with research and development in this field to maintain a competitive edge.
European countries have launched their plans, and significant strides are expected in developing quantum communication technologies, including:
- Quantum Internet Development: Efforts will be directed towards building a quantum internet capable of secure communication over long distances, leveraging quantum repeaters and advanced network architectures.
- Integration with Classical Networks: Quantum technologies will begin to integrate with existing classical networks, enhancing capabilities such as secure key sharing and distributed quantum computation.
- Research and Innovation Roadmaps: Continued investment in quantum research will be crucial for maintaining Europe's leadership in this strategic domain, focusing on areas like quantum materials, sensing, and cryptography.
Robotics and Automation
The field of robotics is rapidly advancing, with a particular focus on soft robotics—robots designed with flexible materials for safer and more adaptable interaction with humans and environments. These innovations are particularly relevant for sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
Projects should include:
- Versatile Robotic Systems: The development of robots that can operate safely in diverse environments, such as healthcare and manufacturing, without the risks associated with traditional rigid robotics.
- Enhanced Autonomy and Learning: Robots will increasingly rely on generative AI to navigate complex scenarios, enhancing their ability to learn from their surroundings and adapt in real-time.
Building a Digital Future through Collaborative Networks
The EU is also focusing on building strong digital infrastructures that connect devices, networks, and computing power seamlessly. Large-scale pilots for connected collaborative computing networks (3C networks) are underway to pave the way for integrated digital services.
Following this, the large-scale pilots are expected to:
- Prototype Next-Generation Infrastructures: Creating integrated infrastructures that bring together various players across the connectivity value chain, including network suppliers, AI experts, and IoT platform providers.
- Validate Open Platforms: Testing and validating platforms that support multiple industries, enhancing the transformative value of AI for European businesses.
- Focus on Sustainability: Emphasizing energy efficiency, privacy, and security while advancing digital infrastructure technologies.
Conclusion: A Stronger Digital Future for Europe
As we move towards 2025, Europe’s digital priorities are clear and reflect a comprehensive approach to advancing AI, data management, robotics, and quantum computing technologies. The focus will be on fostering innovation, ensuring compliance and security, and building resilient and sustainable digital infrastructures.
These efforts are not just about keeping up with global trends but about setting new standards and leading the way in digital innovation. With these strategic initiatives, the EU aims to bolster its economic area, secure technological sovereignty, and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly changing digital world.
By focusing on these hot topics, Europe is not only preparing for the future but actively shaping it to ensure a competitive and dynamic digital economy.
So, if you're already active in these fields, have innovative ideas, or a product close to market readiness, now is the time to prepare, as EU funding opportunities are on the horizon.
Want to ensure you're first in line to seize these opportunities? Stay informed and ready to act!