The most recent Global Pulse Survey reveals that CEOs across the world are focused on core business technologies, such as cloud computing, business intelligence (BI) and cybersecurity, whilst adoption and investment of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency are likely to be sector-driven.
If you’re planning to join any of these tech industries, or are planning to launch one, take note of those which would have a higher chance of getting funded.
Several disruptive technologies are expected to garner widespread attention and investment this year, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, business intelligence and mobile payment applications.
- Cloud computing – 62% state that they are likely to invest in cloud-based technologies.
- Business Intelligence (BI) – more than half (56%) are likely to invest in business intelligence in the coming year.
- Cybersecurity – given the scale and severity of recent high-profile consumer data breaches, 47% of CEOs state that they are likely to invest in cybersecurity technology in the coming year.
While disruptive, these industries are less likely to get heavy funding soon:
- Virtual reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR) – most CEOs surveyed are not actively investing in those technologies yet. However, within architecture and engineering sectors, 64% plan to invest in it over the next 12 months.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) – cloud computing, business intelligence, cybersecurity and digital/mobile payment applications are commanding more immediate attention and likely candidates for investment in the next 12 months.
- Chatbot technology, followed by Blockchain and Cryptocurrency – CEOs show much lower interest in investing in these technologies this year.
The levels of familiarity and interest in many disruptive technologies are determined by industry. For instance:
- As many as 40% of CEOs in financial services expect to make investments in the technology.
- The Internet of Things (IoT) is cited as a key technology area by business leaders within the telecom, architecture, engineering and technology sectors. More than three quarters (78%) of CEOs in telecoms expect IoT to impact their business and almost all of them (96%) expect to make investments in IoT over the next 12 months.
