Global Economic Futures Productivity in 2030 2025

3.2 Implications across selected industries Information technology and digital communications The sector’s dual role as an enabler and beneficiary of technological innovation positions it for substantial growth, particularly in scenarios marked by rapid technological acceleration. Building trust in emerging technologies, addressing data privacy concerns and establishing responsible AI standards will be pivotal for unlocking long- term opportunities. However, its proximity to the innovation frontier and reliance on a rapidly advancing talent pool also make it vulnerable in the scenario of a twin slowdown. The sector’s heavy reliance on cross-border data flows exposes it to geopolitical and regulatory challenges. The number of countries implementing data localization requirements nearly doubled between 2017 and 2021.46 Such restrictions present significant barriers to cloud computing, data processing and internet publishing, which are among the industry’s fastest-growing segments. Navigating these complexities will require substantial investments in compliance frameworks and strategic localization, such as adapting supply chains or building local infrastructure to meet regional regulations.According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey 2024, the sector is relatively less hindered by resistance to change, a lack of awareness of opportunities or difficulties in attracting talent (see Figure 6). However, nearly two-thirds of industry employers cite skills gaps as a major barrier to transformation. This shortage of digital talent coupled with R&D intensity nearly three times higher than in other sectors47 means that talent development can be a critical lever for unlocking productivity gains. Research collaboration with external ecosystems – such as academia, research institutes and start-ups – can accelerate the development and commercialization of emerging technologies. These partnerships provide access to foundational research and a pipeline of highly skilled talent, enabling companies to stay at the forefront of innovation. Firms in the sector can increase their resilience and growth opportunities by shifting from a short-term mindset of adopting the latest technology to longer- term strategies focused on durable value creation. While more than three-quarters of software-as-a- service companies have launched or are developing generative AI offerings, only 15% have successfully monetized these initiatives.48 Barriers to transformation in the next five years FIGURE 6 Energy and materialsMedical, healthcare and care services Information technology and digital communications Financial, professional, real estate services Information technology and digital communications Medical, healthcare and care servicesAgriculture, forestry and fishing ManufacturingSupply chain and transport services Education Energy and materialsEnergy and materialsEducation Agriculture, forestry and fishing Leisure and travel Financial, professional, real estate services 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Share of respondents (%)Skills gaps in the labour market Outdated or inflexible regulatory framework Organization culture and resistance to change Lack of adequate data and technical infrastructure Insufficient understanding of opportunities Inability to attract talent to the industry Inability to attract talent to the firm Information technology and digital communications Information technology and digital communications Information technology and digital communications Information technology and digital communications ManufacturingManufacturing Education Average Source: World Economic Forum. Future of Jobs Survey 2024. Global Economic Futures: Productivity in 2030 19