Digital Lifescapes

The modern electric power grid has become a software problem with a hardware facade. Transmission operators are managing aging assets, rising electricity demand, and increasingly volatile network conditions all at once, and physical build-out cannot move fast enough to close the gap. That reality is pushing software from the back office into the center of the enterprise risk conversation. For executives who buy, build, or sell into critical power infrastructure, the budget signals behind this shift deserve a closer read than the headlines allow. Security Sets the Infrastructure Agenda ABI Research’s 2Q 2026 online survey drew 455 respondents, including 151 who work at transmission system operators across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Cybersecurity ranked as the most critical issue facing those operators today, and it is expected to remain their top concern over the next two years. When a priority holds steady across a 24-month horizon, it stops being a project and becomes a ...

For years, the upside potential for Stablecoins occupied a curious position in financial discourse: too credible to dismiss, too nascent to take seriously. That ambiguity is over. What we are witnessing today is a methodical, infrastructure-level shift in how money moves across the global economy, and the organizations that fail to engage with it risk being caught flat-footed. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of a fiat currency, most commonly the U.S. dollar. Unlike volatile digital assets such as Bitcoin, they are engineered for stability and utility. They inherit the speed, programmability, and continuous availability of blockchain technology while shedding the price unpredictability that long made crypto unsuitable for commerce. The result is a settlement instrument that is simultaneously familiar and transformative. Stablecoin Market Development Total stablecoin transaction volume reached $33 trillion in 2025, representing a 72 percent increase year-on-year, wit...

The digital wallet evolution represents far more than a convenient alternative to carrying physical payment cards or cash. What began as a pandemic-driven necessity has evolved into a fundamental reimagining of financial services delivery. As these platforms mature into comprehensive financial ecosystems, they're addressing one of the most persistent challenges in modern commerce: ensuring that everyone can participate in the Global Networked Economy . Digital wallet transactions surged 110 percent between 2020 and 2025, propelled initially by health concerns but sustained by genuine value creation. Juniper Research projects the user base will expand from 4.5 billion in 2025 to 6 billion by 2030, representing more than three-quarters of the global population. Digital Wallet Market Development What makes this expansion compelling is the diversity of wallet architectures emerging to serve different market needs. Open-loop systems like PayPal have achieved global reach through their f...

Satellite communications is now driven by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks. From once niche technology serving remote outposts, LEO satellites are becoming mainstream — delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband everywhere from city centers to far-flung islands. According to Gartner's latest market study, global spending on LEO satellite communications services will reach $14.8 billion in 2026, marking a 24.5 percent jump in just a single year. LEO Satellites Market Development Unlike traditional geostationary satellites positioned tens of thousands of kilometers above the Earth, LEO satellites orbit at much lower altitudes — typically between 500 and 2,000km. This proximity yields two key advantages for modern communications: 1) Lower latency: Data can travel from ground station to satellite and back much faster, unlocking real-time internet use and interactive applications. 2) Broader coverage and capacity: Large, multiplying constellations can tile the planet, reaching regions w...

The growth trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) enterprise applications continues to accelerate, and its impact on global IT infrastructure spending is also remarkable. The recent market study by International Data Corporation (IDC) provides compelling evidence of AI's explosive growth and implications for the Global Networked Economy . By 2028, global investment in AI infrastructure is projected to surpass the $100 billion mark, underscoring the technology's pivotal role in shaping the future of business and society. Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Market Development This growth is not a sudden phenomenon but rather the result of sustained investment over time. The AI infrastructure market has experienced double-digit growth for nine consecutive half-years, with no signs of slowing down. In the first half of 2024 alone, organizations increased their spending on compute and storage hardware infrastructure for AI deployments by 37 percent year-over-year, reaching an...

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly gaining ground as we transition towards net-zero emissions. However, this transition hinges on a crucial but often overlooked factor: the modernization and expansion of our aging power grids across the globe. For decades the backbone of our electricity delivery system has been largely static. The influx of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind presents a new challenge. Smart Power Grid Market Development Integrating these resources effectively requires a Smarter, more Responsive grid that can handle fluctuating power generation and efficiently distribute it across vast distances. This is where a new trillion-dollar energy market growth opportunity emerges. According to a recent worldwide market study by ABI Research, global investments in public grid digitalization and transmission network expansion must exceed $4 trillion by 2030 to meet our ...

As a seasoned industry consultant with roots dating back to the early days of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, I've witnessed firsthand the evolution of satellite technology and its transformative impact on global communications connectivity. Today, we stand on the cusp of another significant leap forward with the emergence of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites. A recent market study by Juniper Research sheds light on this emerging technology and its potential to revolutionize various industries. VLEO Satellite Market Development VLEO satellites, operating at altitudes between 150 and 450 kilometers above the Earth's surface, represent a new frontier in satellite technology. These satellites offer unique advantages over their higher-orbiting counterparts, including enhanced imaging resolution, lower latency, and improved operational efficiency. As the demand for high-resolution Earth observation and faster communication speeds continues to grow, VLEO satellites are...

For the past decade, navigating uncertainty has been a defining characteristic of the Global Networked Economy. From economic downturns to tech-driven disruptions, leaders have had to adapt in the face of constant change. According to Gartner's latest worldwide market study, there's a significant shift in C-suite priorities. Survey results reveal a focus on digital business growth, with CEOs identifying it as the top priority. About 73 percent of CEOs ranked growth as their primary objective, a 17 percent increase compared to 2023. This sentiment is underscored by the finding that 60 percent of CEOs plan to increase hiring in 2024. Digital Business Market Development "Along with the increased focus on growth, the survey showed a relatively weak position for cost management, suggesting that most CEOs and senior business executives believe the most challenging economic times are past," said David Furlonger, VP Analyst at Gartner . Several key factors are contributing to...

The global telecommunications market is forecast to reach $900 billion in operator-billed revenue in 2024, according to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research. This represents a pivotal juncture for telecom operators as they navigate emerging technologies' challenges and opportunities.  While telecom operators have invested heavily in deploying 5G networks, the study highlights their struggle to effectively monetize widespread 5G adoption among wireless network service subscribers. A key issue has been the inability to command a significant price premium over 4G services, despite the superior performance and capabilities of 5G. This challenge underscores the need for operators to explore new revenue streams beyond traditional mobile services. Telecom Services Market Development As Juniper analysts indicate, a promising avenue for revenue growth lies in the enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) market. With the IoT connectivity revenue market forecasted to expand from $...

The Global Networked Economy -- a term synonymous with the interconnectedness of businesses, individuals, and governments worldwide -- has undergone a remarkable transformation in 2023. Fueled by the rapid growth of digital technologies and the global internet, this phenomenon has given rise to a worldwide marketplace that has already revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in 2024 will be equally disruptive to many traditional business leaders. GenAI will also create huge opportunities for the fearless pioneers. Global Networked Economy Market Development The Global Networked Economy's evolution traces back to the advent of the Public Internet. The introduction of eCommerce, social media, and cloud computing has been instrumental in reshaping how businesses operate and engage with their customers. This interconnected ecosystem empowers savvy leaders to access new markets, trim operational costs, enhance commercial e...

The growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) software could lead to many benefits. As more organizations adopt AI, they may become more efficient, productive, and able to offer improved products and services. The global job market could also expand, with demand growing for roles like AI engineers and technicians. Plus, AI apps could enable breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, transportation, and energy. The worldwide AI software market will grow from $64 billion in 2022 to nearly $251 billion in 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.4 percent, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). AI Software Market Development The forecast for AI-centric software includes Artificial Intelligence Platforms, AI Applications, AI System Infrastructure Software (SIS), and AI Application Development and Deployment (AD&D) software (excluding AI platforms). However, it does not include Generative AI (GenAI) platforms and applications, which IDC recen...

In an evolving era of rapid advancement, market demand for innovative technology in the industrial and manufacturing sectors is skyrocketing. Leaders are recognizing the immense potential of digital transformation and are driving initiatives to integrate technologies into their business operations.  These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately drive growth and competitiveness in an increasingly digital business upward trajectory. The industrial and manufacturing sectors have been the backbone of the Global Networked Economy, contributing $16 trillion in value in 2021. Industrial and Manufacturing Tech Market Development   This growth represents a 20 percent increase from 2020, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of these sectors in the face of unprecedented challenges, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research . The five largest manufacturing verticals -- automotive, computer and electronic, primary metal, food, and ma...

As a senior executive, have you considered how the rapidly evolving blockchain and distributed ledger technologies could revolutionize your organization's operations and competitive standing in the Global Networked Economy? Across the globe, the enterprise demand for blockchain applications is on the rise, driven by the need for operational efficiencies, transparency, and security in business transactions. As organizations grapple with the challenges of digital transformation initiatives, blockchain technology offers a promising solution to streamline processes, reduce fraud, and enhance customer trust. Blockchain Market Development Despite the prior volatility and hype cycles associated with blockchain use cases, its potential to revolutionize industries from finance to supply chain cannot be understated. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research , the blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) market is expected to reach a value of $25 billion by 2027...

Across the globe, government regulators are eager to contain the influence of Big Tech for a number of reasons that pose a significant threat to democracy and the security of a civil society. These include concerns about the companies' market power, their ability to stifle competition, their impact on privacy and data protection, and their role in spreading misinformation.  Regulators are also concerned about the power that Big Tech companies have over their citizens' lives, as they control the information we see and the way we interact with the online economy. Big Tech Global Market Development Over the next few years, regulators will crackdown on some of the world’s biggest tech companies -- including Amazon, Google, Meta, X (Twitter), Alibaba, and Tencent -- according to the latest worldwide market study by GlobalData. The insightful GlobalData survey findings predict that regulators will pursue the most influential Big Tech companies in 12 key regulatory arenas. Those inclu...

eCommerce is a major growth engine of the Global Networked Economy. It experienced an economic boost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the continued shift of commercial and consumer transactions has contributed to even greater upward momentum. There are several trends that are driving the growth of global eCommerce. These include the rise of social commerce, the increasing importance of mobile commerce, and the growing popularity of cross-border shopping. Global eCommerce Market Development Social commerce is enabled by the use of social media platforms to sell products and services. This trend is growing rapidly, as more people are using the channel to discover, learn about and consider new offerings. Mobile commerce is the use of mobile devices to shop for new products and services online. This trend is also growing rapidly, as more people are using their smartphones and tablets to shop for a variety of items and complete purchase transactions. Cross-border shop...

Digital wallets are a rapidly growing segment of the fintech market, which has accelerated since the global COVID-19 pandemic. They're important in the fields of financial inclusion, and movement towards a cashless Global Networked Economy. There are many types of digital wallets, fulfilling different use cases. Digital wallets enable users to pay for both online and offline transactions via either stored payment credentials -- such as debit cards, or currency stored in the wallet -- by utilizing apps on smartphones and mobile wearables. Digital Wallet Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, the total value of digital wallets transactions will rise from $9 trillion in 2023 to surpass $16 trillion in 2028 -- that a CAGR of 77 percent. This trend is driven by growth across both developed and developing markets across the globe, as the increased adoption of advanced services such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), micro-loans, and personal fina...

The impact of technology is seen in nearly every industry, and every region of the world. The Global Networked Economy is in a perpetual state of evolution. This creates both challenges and opportunities. Following the COVID-19 global pandemic, the market saw some recovery due to rising demand from remote working and the need for a connected ecosystem. Now there are new overarching issues affecting the global supply chains for many consumer electronics sectors. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, these conditions have led to weaker demand, but with technical advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fifth Generation (5G) mobile connectivity, and new form factors, 2023 will be a recovery year for the consumer technology market. Consumer Technology Market Development "In smartphones, the replacement cycle followed by the migration to 5G smartphones and eagerness to embrace new form factors like foldable devices will be the main growth drivers for acce...

Savvy leaders in the C-suite continue to invest in digital transformation that fuels net-new growth, regardless of global economic volatility concerns. Other leaders, consumed by fear, are undecided or already retreating.  Rising prices and interest rates along with other economic factors beyond a company’s control are leading CFOs to show the most concern about profitable growth, inflation, and balance sheet health in 2023, according to the latest market study by Gartner. Yet nine out of 10 CFOs plan to fund organic growth in 2023 at the same level or greater levels than their investment in 2022. Digital Growth Market Development "Macroeconomic factors that companies can do little to nothing about have created an uncertain setting in 2023, and have also led to many sleepless nights among CFOs," said Shannon Cole, senior director at Gartner . Borrowing has become more expensive, and inventory and fixed-asset values remain volatile, which inevitably leads to downstream income ...

Recent news headlines may not instill confidence in the overall Global Networked Economy, but that doesn't discourage spending on Digital Transformation initiatives that are focused on creating new  business models. IT market performance remained patchy in April, with some vendors experiencing a sharp decline in growth while others continued to benefit from long-term enterprise commitment to digital business. According to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), overall growth this year in constant currency will reach 4.8 percent to $3.27 trillion -- that's a slight improvement, which reflects the continued IT services market performance. IT Services Market Development IT services growth this year will be almost 6 percent, as large enterprises remain committed to long-term digital transformation investments despite the recent short-term economic turbulence. Overall software spending growth will be almost 11 percent, driven mostly by cloud soft...

The mobile devices market has experienced three years of unpredictable demand. The global pandemic, geopolitical pressures, supply chain issues, and macroeconomic headwinds have hindered the sector's consistent growth potential. This extremely challenging environment has dramatically affected both demand and supply chains. It has led to subsequent inflationary pressures, leading to a worsening global cost of living crisis suppressing growth and confidence in the sector. In tandem, mobile device industry stakeholders have become more cautious triggering market uncertainties. Mobile Device Market Development Operating under such a backdrop, the development of mobile device ecosystems and vendor landscapes have been impacted severely. Many of these market pressures persisted throughout 2022 and now into 2023, borne chiefly by the smartphone market. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, worldwide smartphone shipments in 2022 declined 9.6 percent Year-over-Year...