In 2035, AI will become as invisible and integral to the fabric of business and everyday life as Wi-Fi and solar. No longer constrained by the energy consumption dilemma, fluctuating threats of chip shortages, or the spectre of infrastructure limits, tech as we know it today will have matured into a powerhouse that drives industries whilst solving sustainability issues.
Carbon-neutral data centres will no longer be the stuff of dreams but a reality. Powered by new energy solutions and optimised resource consumption, these hubs will serve as the backbone for the smooth integration of AI into business processes. Achieving such a vision may seem elusive, but with some cooperation and solid alliances in place, it will be possible to achieve a future where tech and sustainability are no longer at odds.
Here are six predictions for 2035 which outline how tech could re-shape society as we know it.
1. AI will reach ‘Adulthood’
Into the next decade, we’ll see AI move from a “nice-to-have” investment to a “must-have” business imperative, as it matures into ‘adulthood’ and synthesises data in more sophisticated ways. At the close of the decade, AI will become ingrained at every stage in every decision-making process, driving productivity, facilitating more personalised customer experiences, and unlocking new revenue sources. Large language models (LLMs) will finally have evolved to solve subtle, industry-specific challenges, becoming indispensable assets across every sector, from healthcare, to finance, to manufacturing.
Take supply chain management, for instance. The economic shocks resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic caused serious bottlenecks for production lines, with almost one-third of UK businesses in manufacturing, wholesale, and retail trade reporting global supply chain disruption. We’ve already seen how AI-driven predictive analytics and real-time monitoring can help to transform supply chains into increasingly resilient, proactive systems. AL and ML now make it possible to automate proactive responses to supply and demand in real time. This means logistics teams are kept informed if inventory is put at risk and supplied with alternative options for the stocking position or product portfolio. Additionally, AI-powered diagnostic tools are already proving their value in healthcare, by recognising the signs and symptoms of diseases earlier and more precisely than ever before.
However, as the old adage goes, with great power comes great responsibility. As AI matures over the next ten years, it will present an entirely new set of challenges, and the need for robust frameworks to ensure its ethical implementation. It will be essential for organisations to strike a balance between making the most of the capabilities AI has to offer, and addressing concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias and workforce displacement. Businesses set for success in 2035 will be those that align innovation with accountability.
2. Carbon-Neutral Data Centres will become a reality
The transition to carbon-neutral data centres will mark one of the major technological milestones of the next decade. Once criticised for their massive energy consumption, the data centres of 2035 will evolve into paragons of sustainability. Advances in cooling technologies, renewable energy integration, and AI-driven resource management, are all set to play a fundamental role in reducing the environmental footprint of these structures.
The data centres of the future will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, geothermal energy, and solar power. AI will play a critical role when it comes to optimising energy use and ensuring servers run efficiently and only when needed. This transformation meets global carbon-reduction targets and achieves significant cost-savings for businesses, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
3. A truly circular economy
Much like AI, sustainability is evolving from a corporate buzzword to an operational imperative. Consumers, investors and regulators demand accountability. Businesses have responded by embedding environmental, social and governance goals into their long-term strategies, as they look to comply with guidance such as the EU’s CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).
In years to come, circular economy models will be everywhere. When designing products, companies will consider the end of a product’s lifecycle, and whether components can be recycled or repurposed. AI will facilitate the analysis of material flow, identifying inefficiencies and suggesting areas for improvement. Reimagined supply chains will also contribute significantly to the reduction of waste and associated emissions and drive up the use of renewable resources.
Businesses are already recognising the financial as well as ethical opportunity of strong ESG practices, with four in ten British businesses now believing that sustainability is profitable. In 2035, businesses that don’t adopt sustainable practices may well lose their competitive edge, as companies continue to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the circular economy.
4. The next era of digital transformation will require strong partnerships
No company has ever succeeded in a vacuum, especially in the AI and digital transformation era. Strong ecosystems of partners will continue to emerge as critical drivers for innovation and growth. Robust partner networks will allow companies to tap into complementary skills, technologies and market opportunities by enabling collaboration over competition.
We’re already seeing a shining example of these partnerships amongst AI developers and cloud providers, enabling accelerated deployment of scalable solutions. Similarly, alliances with regulatory bodies are supporting companies to navigate often complex, and ever-evolving, compliance landscapes. By 2035, these ecosystems will be more than support systems; they will be critical parts of a company’s strategy, delivering value that no single organisation could achieve in isolation.
5. Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing
While AI dominates the headlines today, 2035 could usher in a new era of technological breakthroughs that shift the focus. Quantum computing, for instance, holds the potential to solve problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of classical computers. From medicinal research to cryptography, its applications are as vast as they are transformative. The government has been quick to recognise the opportunities offered by this evolving technology, with Innovate UK recently introducing a grant of £6.85 million to support the development of quantum computing in cancer treatment.
Similarly, advancements in bioengineering, brain-computer interfaces and space exploration technologies will continue to redefine what’s possible. These quantum leaps will not replace AI. Instead, quantum and AI technologies are set to form a synergy, launching digital transformation to new heights.
Organisations that thrive in this brave new world will be those that stay agile, continuously anticipate emerging trends, and adapt their strategies to meet evolving needs.
6. Increased Regulatory Frameworks
Regulatory frameworks for AI must continue to evolve in order to catch up with the speed and capabilities of new AI models and technological advancements. In the coming decade, legislation will be streamlined and likely AI-powered, offering clear guidelines which will enable businesses to innovate responsibly. Harmonised global standards will squash hurdles and pave the way for companies to scale solutions across borders.
Increased clarity when it comes to regulatory requirements will be of huge benefit for businesses, infusing increased trust and accountability across partnerships. Clearer guidance on regulatory requirements will also safeguard consumers, by protecting their rights and safeguarding data. Businesses that proactively engage with policymakers now are those that are best set up for successful frameworks into the future.
The road to 2035
The road to 2035 will no doubt be marked by challenges and triumphs alike. From AI’s evolution into a strategic asset to the mainstream adoption of carbon-neutral data centres, one thing is clear: humanity will continue to innovate and adapt in some truly exciting ways.
But the journey won’t necessarily be a smooth one.
As new technologies emerge, businesses must remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainability, collaboration and agility, and equip themselves with the knowledge to meet stringent regulatory requirements even as they innovate.
2035 will belong to the leaders who start mapping out their plan for the future today, adapting existing business models to boldly pursue what’s next in store.
- Data & AI
- Infrastructure & Cloud
- Sustainability Technology