- 2020 and 2021 saw organizations across all sectors adjusting to rapid transformation, and 2022 will undoubtedly be much the same.
- The future will continue to become increasingly technology-reliant, and this will have significant implications for businesses all over the globe.
- The importance of social media in business marketing, the influence of the metaverse, and the blockchain will likely continue to increase in the years to come.
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It’s undeniable: The future will continue to become increasingly technology-reliant, and this will have significant implications for businesses all over the globe.
All industries are seeing shifts exacerbated by major challenges, such as the pandemic and the climate crisis. 2020 and 2021 saw organizations and businesses across all sectors adjusting to rapid transformation, and 2022 will undoubtedly be much the same.
Here are the top business trends for 2022:
1. Artificial intelligence is here to stay
In 2022, we will see the application of artificial intelligence nearly everywhere.
As we go deeper into a digitally altered society, AI will continue to be a massive transformation driver for global industries and businesses.
Research shows that the global AI market can reach up to a $190 billion market valuation in 2025. Additionally, in 2022, companies are expected to run on average around 35 AI projects in their operations.
2. The metaverse will begin to take hold
The metaverse is a new virtual world (mainly accessed with a VR headset), and it will provide access to all kinds of entertainment and projects, including the opportunity to work.
As the metaverse ecosystem grows in 2022, expect it to have a direct impact on the future of many technology sectors, and business in general.
Enterprises and businesses can expect the metaverse to shape their operations in three ways:
- Building new modes of customer and business relations
- Ushering in new currencies and transaction types, such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs
- Streamlining remote employee communications
3. The blockchain will become more widely utilized for business
The blockchain enables companies to track a transaction and do business with unverified parties, even without the assistance of financial institutions
According to the International Data Corporation, companies will spend almost $6.6 billion on blockchain solutions in 2021. This is a 50% increase from the previous year, and is expected to grow beyond $15 billion in 2024.
With the new rise of NFTs and the metaverse, the blockchain will become a more important component of business in 2022.
Businesses might want to start studying blockchain technology, not only because it’s safer, but also because it is expected to generate significant business opportunities.
4. Internet security and privacy will become more important
As the world becomes more digitized, there’s been an increased number of personal and organizational cyberattacks around the world.
Several corporations have been the target of major cyberattacks in recent days, and businesses have become more vulnerable to destructive attacks (in part due to the uptick in remote work).
Applying AI will make robust cybersecurity protocols easier and less expensive, and can enable cybersecurity to spot risks, which will only become more essential in the years to come.
5. Renewable energy is the best way for businesses to be sustainable
Climate change is driving rapid growth in sustainable energy adoption.
According to the International Energy Agency, 40% more green energy was generated and used in 2020; the agency expects continued growth in 2022.
The falling cost of generating sustainable energy helps ensure that mass adoption is likely in future.
It’s predicted that there will be a massive growth in the production and usage of solar and wind technology, and businesses should take into account how much energy and resources their business models use. In 2022, archaic business practices will have to change.
Not only is renewable energy sustainable, but consumers look upon eco-conscious companies with more favor.
6. Social media’s influence in business will rise
The importance of social media in business marketing and e-commerce plans will likely continue to increase in the years to come.
Finaria reported that spending on social media ads would hit $105 billion in 2021 – a 15% increase since 2020. Over the last three years, spending on social media ads has jumped nearly 70%.
The power of social media for business is no joke: In 2020, TikTok took in around $1 billion in revenue; most of this came from selling ads on the platform.
7. Entrepreneurship is on the rise
Millions of people were laid-off or let go from their jobs during the pandemic, and the data shows that many of them became entrepreneurs.
In 2020, there were 4.5 million new business applications – up 24% from 2019.
In one survey, data showed that 62% of Gen Zers and 50% of millennials are planning to start a business.
8. Flexible job websites gain popularity
Job seekers are seeing more favorable conditions as the pandemic progresses, and one-click job sites like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter have made it incredibly easy to apply to jobs with minimal effort.
In the US alone, BankRate reveals that over half of workers anticipate looking for a new job in the next few months and over 40% are considering moving to jobs with more flexible options, according to Adecco Group.
The market for flexible jobs of all kinds is on the upswing, and so are resources available to workers (or soon-to-be) looking to find more flexibility and improve their work-life balance – whether as a full-time, part-time or working as a freelancer.
The best part about these platforms is that they are also beneficial to businesses who – on the other hand – are looking for highly qualified talent or just need a temporary freelancer for a specific project or campaign.
These platforms (and the many more to come) continue to be widely used job sites because they help freelancers and other job seekers to find flexible, remote, and other types of jobs.
We will also see greater usage in 2022 as AI becomes more widely utilized and accepted, ultimately allowing businesses to spend more time on interviews and less time sourcing candidates.
