Let’s face it: AI isn’t knocking on the door anymore—it’s already kicked it down, rearranged the furniture, started brewing coffee in the kitchen, and seduced your spouse in the living room. The business world isn’t just casually flirting with advanced technologies like AI and blockchain; it’s fully committed. And those ignoring the call? Well, the future looks rough.
As a doctoral researcher focused on ”Advanced Technologies for Business Strategies,” I’m jumping head-first into this whirlwind of change. But hey, don’t just take my word for it—let’s get some rock-solid backing from the latest industry hits.
AI is the New Black
The World Economic Forum dropped its Future of Jobs Report 2025 this January, and the message is loud and clear: AI is taking the center stage. Big Data specialists, AI engineers, and software developers are leading the charge, riding a digital wave that 60% of employers say is transforming business from the ground up. And if you’re thinking, ”Well, I’m safe in my cushy clerical job,” think again. Automation is carving through jobs like cashiers and data entry clerks faster than a guitar solo in a death metal rock anthem. In raw numbers: 170 million new jobs up, 92 million down, leaving a net gain of 78 million—but nearly 40% of skills today will be obsolete by 2030. Yikes.
Don’t panic just yet, the fact that your position could be easily outsourced to some cold-blooded bot does not mean that you are becoming obsolete. I have been recently starting to preach the idea, based on researched data, that these automation tools are here to make us more productive and efficient, to a point where we can compare them to limbal protheses that we didn’t know we needed and make our lives way more enjoyable. Just like with the protheses analogy, you must learn how to use it properly. This is why re-skilling is getting to be known as a new norm across every organizational level. Employees are not meant to be replaced but enhanced!
Data is the New Gold Standard
If AI is reshaping jobs, data is rewriting the rules of global power. The Hinrich Foundation’s ”Age of Data” report warns us that we’re about to generate more data in the next three years than all of human history combined. Yep, let that sink in. Data isn’t just abundant; it’s the fuel driving innovation, global trade, and geopolitical power plays. Companies that harness it strategically will dominate, while those that don’t may find themselves relegated to the footnotes of history.
Businesses are Rewiring—Fast
McKinsey’s state of AI 2025 report reveals that organizations are now in overdrive, embedding generative AI into their core operations. Marketing and sales departments, especially, are on fire—rapidly redesigning workflows to capture maximum value. CEOs are stepping into the spotlight, leading AI governance directly. And don’t get me started with generative engine optimization GEO, it is here to stay and to deliver results. If your organization isn’t moving at this pace, you’re officially behind.
Here’s Where I Step In
This is exactly where my research comes to life. It’s not about theoretical noise—it’s about actionable insights, real-world strategies, and measurable outcomes. My mission? To show organizations precisely how advanced technologies can be used to stay competitive and sustainable, even in an age of rapid technological transformation.
For instance, consider deglobalization: Advanced tech is proving to be the unexpected hero, helping businesses find new ways to sustain global trade relationships and operational efficiency. Moreover, integrating AI strategically into business processes doesn’t just boost efficiency—it aligns neatly with achieving ambitious sustainability goals. It’s practical, scalable, and impactful.
What About Education?
Universities, pay attention. Today’s students—tomorrow’s workforce—are caught in the middle of this tech-driven shift. Educational institutions are scrambling to integrate these advanced techs into curricula, but the pace isn’t quite keeping up. My recent book chapter, ”Fostering Awareness of Social Sustainability in Digital Business” (featured in The Palgrave Handbook of Social Sustainability in Business Education), highlights essential tools and strategies for universities to teach these technologies effectively.
But until curriculums fully catch up, my advice for students: become autodidacts. Dive into resources, get hands-on experience, and yes—follow me on LinkedIn. I’ll keep you posted with the latest insights and trends, bridging academic rigor with street-smart practicality.
Rocking the Boat for Good
The takeaway? Advanced technologies like AI and blockchain are no passing trend. They’re the headliners of this decade—and beyond. Organizations that don’t adapt risk obsolescence. My research isn’t just pointing out the obvious; it’s offering a roadmap through the digital jungle.
Stay tuned, stay sharp, and stay ahead. Because in the business of tomorrow, adaptability isn’t just desirable—it’s survival.
References
- World Economic Forum (2025). Future of Jobs Report 2025.
- Hinrich Foundation (2025). The Age of Data.
- McKinsey & Company (2025). The State of AI: How Organizations are Rewiring to Capture Value.
- Serrano, J.C., Diduc, S., Šilenskytė, A., Stephens, M., Nava-Aguirre, K.M. (2024). Fostering Awareness of Social Sustainability in Digital Business. In: Šilenskytė, A., Cordova, M., Schmitz, M.A., Toh, S.M. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Social Sustainability in Business Education. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50168-5_8
Let’s rock this digital transformation together!
Julio Serrano
PhD student, University of Vaasa, Strategic Business Development
Marketing Specialist, University of Vaasa Executive Education
julio.serrano@uvaasaexed.fi
