5 technologies that will define the next decade
The pace of technological change has never been faster. As we approach 2030, a handful of emerging innovations are expected to transform economies, reshape industries, and even redefine what it means to live and work in the modern world.
From powerful quantum processors to green energy breakthroughs, these technologies are not isolated advances; they are interconnected forces shaping the global future.
1. Quantum Computing
Quantum computing has long been seen as a futuristic concept, but it is quickly becoming a reality. Unlike classical computers that process information in binary, quantum systems harness the principles of superposition and entanglement, allowing them to solve problems that would take today’s fastest supercomputers thousands of years.
Companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are investing heavily, with Google claiming it could build a million-qubit machine by the end of the decade. This shift has enormous implications for fields such as drug discovery, where quantum processors could simulate complex molecules, and finance, where they may optimise portfolios and manage systemic risks. But the rise of quantum also poses risks—particularly for cybersecurity, as current encryption systems could be broken by quantum-powered attacks.
Experts warn that businesses and governments need to start preparing for a post-quantum world, where encryption protocols will need to be re-engineered to withstand this new computational power.
2. 6G Networks
Expected to roll out in the early 2030s, 6G will combine terahertz-frequency communications with built-in artificial intelligence to deliver “zero latency” experiences. This means entire cities, vehicles, and even factories could operate with seamless real-time coordination.
One of the most exciting applications will be in immersive technologies, think holographic communication, remote surgery with robotic precision, and ultra-high-definition streaming that adapts instantly to user needs. Researchers also see 6G as a backbone for the Internet of Things, enabling billions of devices to connect simultaneously without network strain.
Analysts estimate that 6G could contribute more than $13 trillion to the global economy by 2035, driving growth across healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.
3. Biotechnology and gene editing: Medicine gets personal
Advances in biotechnology and gene editing are expected to fundamentally transform healthcare in the next decade. With CRISPR gene-editing tools becoming more precise and affordable, doctors may soon correct genetic mutations before they cause disease.
Beyond treatment, biotech is reshaping diagnostics. AI-powered health tools now analyse everything from retinal scans to genomic sequences, offering predictive medicine that spots illnesses years before symptoms appear.
By 2030, experts predict a healthcare model centred on personalisation, where therapies are tailored to a patient’s unique genetic makeup (Poddar Group).
4. Autonomous and edge-powered systems: machines that think
Automation is not new, but the convergence of AI, robotics, and edge computing is pushing it into new territories. Delivery drones, warehouse robots, and even self-driving cars are becoming part of everyday infrastructure. By processing data at the edge—closer to where it’s generated—machines can make split-second decisions without relying on distant cloud servers.
The rise of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) could transform urban transport, while autonomous ships and freight vehicles promise to streamline global trade. These systems will not only reduce costs but also improve safety and efficiency.
Analysts point out that as batteries improve and AI becomes more adaptive, autonomous systems will increasingly interact with each other, creating networks of machines that collaborate without human intervention.
5. Energy and climate tech: powering a green future
Perhaps the most urgent frontier is in energy and climate technology. With the climate crisis accelerating, breakthroughs in green hydrogen, fusion power, and solid-state batteries could reshape the global energy landscape.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity, is seen as a viable replacement for fossil fuels in heavy industries like steel and shipping. Markets for this fuel are projected to reach $199 billion by 2034. Meanwhile, the race for fusion energy, a technology once thought of as science fiction, has accelerated.
Battery innovation is also central. Solid-state batteries, being tested by companies like Toyota, promise to hold more charge, recharge faster, and last longer than current lithium-ion alternatives. This could accelerate the global shift to electric vehicles while making renewable energy storage more reliable.
The race to lead in these fields will also shape geopolitics, as nations and companies compete for dominance in patents, infrastructure, and human capital. By 2030, the balance of power may be determined not by military strength alone but by who can harness these transformative tools most effectively.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
