New GlobalData research identifies artificial superintelligence as the century’s most significant technological breakthrough, reshaping industries by 2035
What’s happening: GlobalData’s “Tech in 2035” report identifies artificial superintelligence as the most significant technological breakthrough of the century, leading 15 technologies set to redefine industries and everyday life. Other transformative technologies include quantum computing, polyfunctional robots, brain-computer interfaces, and small modular reactors.
Why this matters: As Australia grapples with an aging population, labour shortages, and productivity challenges, these breakthrough technologies offer solutions to demographic and economic pressures. However, they also introduce new risks around data security, weaponisation, and technological dependencies that businesses must navigate strategically.
The global economy is undergoing seismic shifts, shaped by changing demographics, climate pressures, supply chain upheavals, and mounting geopolitical tensions. Over the next decade, technology adoption and innovation will accelerate as societies adapt to these forces, with 15 breakthrough technologies poised to redefine industries and everyday life by 2035.
GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Tech in 2035,” reveals that artificial superintelligence will be the most significant technological breakthrough of the century. Other technologies that are set to reshape our lives include quantum computing, polyfunctional robots, brain-computer interfaces, and small modular reactors.
The superintelligence advantage
For Australian businesses, artificial superintelligence represents both unprecedented opportunity and existential risk. The technology promises to solve complex problems across industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and logistics.
“The world will be a very different place in 2035. The global population will be both growing and aging. In aging countries like Japan, South Korea, and Italy, technologies that address labor shortages, like polyfunctional robots, will become crucial. On the other hand, Africa will experience a significant youth bulge,” explains Xander Hartley, Associate Analyst, Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData.
Australia’s demographic trajectory aligns with this global pattern. With an aging workforce and persistent skills shortages across sectors, artificial superintelligence could provide critical solutions for maintaining economic competitiveness.
“Meanwhile, natural disasters and extreme weather events will become more frequent. The loss of biodiversity alone will have a massive destabilising effect. We will likely see regulators rolling out emissions pricing to incentivise action, led by the EU and China,” Hartley continues.
Quantum leap ahead
The report forecasts a quantum revolution by 2035, which will catalyse a giant leap in drug discovery and complex financial modelling. For Australian pharmaceutical companies, financial institutions, and research organisations, quantum computing represents a transformative competitive advantage.
The technology’s potential extends beyond traditional applications. Quantum systems could revolutionise supply chain optimisation, risk modelling, and materials science, areas where Australian businesses face ongoing challenges.
Robot workforce revolution
Perhaps most immediately relevant to Australian industry is the development of polyfunctional robots. The report posits these systems will be capable of carrying out over 50 different tasks without modification by 2035, helping resolve labour shortages across multiple industries.
This capability addresses a critical Australian business challenge. From mining and agriculture to healthcare and hospitality, sectors across the economy are struggling with worker availability. Polyfunctional robots could provide continuity and efficiency while human workers focus on higher-value activities.
Over the next decade, technologies like brain-computer interfaces, gene editing, and 4D printing will all reach commercialisation, creating new market opportunities and business models.
“Just as technological breakthroughs respond to the changing world, so will those breakthroughs feed into macro trends. Progress in artificial intelligence, biotech, quantum, and the new space race will fuel rivalries between major powers like the US and China,” Hartley notes.
Managing breakthrough risks
While opportunities are exceptional, so are the risks. Australian businesses must navigate complex security, ethical, and dependency challenges as these technologies mature.
“Data privacy and security are two major concerns, especially for healthcare technologies like brain-computer interfaces. They will need protection from a new generation of cyberattacks, as innovations in fields like quantum and artificial intelligence increase hackers’ capabilities,” warns Sophie Gallagher, Associate Analyst, Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData.
The weaponisation risk is particularly concerning for artificial superintelligence. “While artificial superintelligence could be the key to solving our biggest problems, there is a risk that bad actors use it to develop destructive weaponry. This may drive a new era of conflict,” Gallagher explains.
Australian businesses also face technological interdependency challenges. Many breakthrough technologies rely on advances in complementary fields. Urban air mobility, for instance, depends heavily on battery technology breakthroughs.
“Businesses should also be aware that many of these technologies are dependent on others. The promise of urban air mobility, for instance, relies heavily on breakthroughs in battery technology. They will need to invest strategically and keep track of neighbouring developments to reap the full benefits,” Gallagher concludes.
For Australian business leaders, the message is clear: the next decade will bring unprecedented technological transformation. Success will depend on strategic investment, risk management, and understanding the interconnected nature of emerging technologies.
The companies that begin preparing now for artificial superintelligence, quantum computing, and polyfunctional robots will be best positioned to capitalise on the opportunities while managing the inevitable disruption these technologies will bring.
Related: Digital transformation trends shaping Australian business | Technology adoption strategies for Australian enterprises
