Canada is setting the global standard for digital transformation, driven by AI, guided by forward-thinking policy, and supported by frameworks that turn ambition into action.
Introduction
Digital transformation has evolved from a buzzword into an imperative that touches every business sector and level of society. By 2025, the digital revolution shows no signs of slowing – it’s a multi-trillion-dollar wave sweeping across industries worldwide. The global digital transformation market was estimated around $1.18 trillion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $10 trillion by 2034, reflecting an aggressive ~25% annual growth rate【10†1】. This explosive growth underscores how technology-driven change – from AI and cloud to data analytics and automation – is now a cornerstone of economic strategy for organizations big and small. Canada, in particular, is leveraging its strengths in innovation to punch above its weight: the nation’s ICT sector revenues climbed from CAD $206.8 billion in 2018 to $270 billion in 2023, highlighting a thriving digital economy【15†2】. Yet amid this rapid progress, leaders must navigate complex challenges – from bridging skill gaps to avoiding the pitfalls of hype-driven investments.
Looking toward 2025–2030, organizations worldwide are accelerating innovation in the face of AI breakthroughs, economic shifts, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Investors, governments, enterprises, and entrepreneurs are all seeking guidance on how to navigate this fast-moving era. Canada, with forward-looking policies and a vibrant tech ecosystem, is poised to lead on the global stage.
This flagship report – authored by KBC’s Founder Sarjun Gharib – distills the latest insights from industry research, examines macroeconomic and micro-level trends, and outlines future scenarios that will shape business, policy, and society. Most importantly, we highlight how Knowledge Based Consulting (KBC)’s strategic services and proprietary frameworks (like our Digital Business Playbook and Hype-to-Value Digital Hub) help convert tech hype into lasting business value. Let’s explore the digital roadmap for 2025–2030 and how to seize the opportunities ahead. Whether you’re a startup founder, a public-sector leader, or a creative entrepreneur, understanding the state of digital transformation in 2025 will help you make informed decisions. Let’s dive into the key trends and strategies that can empower your digital journey – and see how Canada’s digital transformation experience can help guide the world.
Global Strategic Tech Trends for 2024/25
The foundation of any forward-looking digital strategy is an understanding of current tech trends. Recent analyses highlight where innovation and investment are heading. Artificial intelligence (AI) remains front-and-center. Generative AI, in particular, has seen explosive growth – Google searches for generative AI jumped almost 700% from 2022 to 2023. This extraordinary uptick in interest and funding has unlocked possibilities across interconnected domains like robotics and immersive reality. In fact, generative AI and the push toward electrification/renewable energy stood out as the two most significant tech trends of 2023, underlining how digital technology and sustainability now go hand-in-hand.
Analysts have identified ten strategic technology trends defining the enterprise agenda in 2024, grouped under themes of protecting investments, empowering builders, and delivering value. These trends include ensuring trust in AI through AI Trust, Risk & Security Management (AI TRiSM) and strengthening cybersecurity via Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). They also emphasize technologies that empower creators – for example, platform engineering to enable faster software delivery, and AI-augmented development tools that let developers use generative AI to speed up coding and testing. Sustainable technology is another key trend, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals into tech design. It is predicted that by 2027, 25% of CIOs will have their personal KPIs (even compensation) tied to the impact of their sustainable technology initiatives. And looking at value delivery, intelligent applications and an augmented connected workforce are set to transform user experiences and employee productivity, while machine customers – essentially AI agents that autonomously purchase goods or services – could emerge as a disruptive force. One projection suggests that by 2028 these machine customers will render 20% of digital storefronts obsolete, as algorithms acting on behalf of humans conduct an increasing share of transactions. The message for organizations: AI and automation, cloud and platform ecosystems, security & trust, and sustainability will dominate innovation investments in the second half of the decade. These trends are also mutually reinforcing – the right combinations can enhance resilience, maximize data value, meet ESG goals, and drive new growth. Savvy leaders will track these developments closely and consider how blending them can create competitive advantage.
Complementing the above, the McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2024 identified 15 interrelated trends across five categories (“AI revolution,” “Building the digital future,” “Compute and connectivity frontiers,” “Cutting-edge engineering,” and “Sustainability”). Beyond generative AI’s dominance, this outlook highlights applied AI (using AI/ML to automate processes at scale) and the industrializing of machine learning (tools and MLOps to accelerate AI development) as critical for turning AI from experiment to enterprise value. It also flags next-generation software development (e.g. low-code platforms), cloud and edge computing, and advanced connectivity (5G/6G, Wi-Fi 6/7, satellite internet) as key enablers of the digital future. Meanwhile, digital trust and cybersecurity have risen as foundational priorities – reflecting a convergence of concerns around privacy, identity, and security architectures to ensure trust in digital systems. On the engineering frontier, robotics has re-emerged as a focus (synergizing with AI to create more autonomous machines), alongside the future of mobility (electric and autonomous vehicles), bioengineering, and even the future of space technologies. And underscoring the sustainability theme, trends in electrification and climate technologies (such as carbon capture and climate-resilient infrastructure) are gaining momentum. The common thread is that businesses must balance a portfolio of emerging capabilities – some that deliver quick wins and others that sow the seeds for long-term transformation. Not every trend will matter for every organization, but ignoring these shifts is not an option.
Macroeconomic Outlook: Capital Trends Fueling Transformation
Even the most exciting tech innovations need supportive economic conditions. From a macro perspective, the outlook for tech investment in 2025 and beyond is optimistic. After a couple of turbulent years (2022–2023) marked by inflation, higher interest rates, and belt-tightening, the tech sector is poised to rebound. Analysts project that global IT spending will grow by roughly 9.3% in 2025, reaching about $5.74 trillion . Enterprise investments are expected to be particularly strong in data-center infrastructure and software, with both segments seeing double-digit growth as companies ramp up capacity for AI and cloud services . One major driver is AI: worldwide spending on AI is forecast to grow at an astonishing 29% compound annual rate from 2024 through 2028, nearly doubling the total spend to $632 billion by 2028 . In other words, companies are significantly increasing budgets for AI capabilities – from advanced analytics to AI-driven automation – as they move from pilot projects to widespread deployment.
Zooming out further, overall digital transformation (DX) spending worldwide is on track to reach almost $4 trillion by 2027. IDC estimates a ~16% CAGR in DX investments over 2022–2027 , fueled by surging interest in AI and the need for businesses to modernize customer experiences and operations. This sustained growth indicates that boards and investors view digital transformation not as a luxury, but as a necessity for competitiveness. Notably, despite economic headwinds, there is long-term optimism around technology. In a recent industry survey, 62% of tech executives said the tech industry would be “healthy” or “very healthy” in 2024, and a similar share agreed that now is the right time to take greater risks on innovation . In other words, leaders are leaning into innovation rather than pulling back.
From a capital perspective, we’re also seeing a reallocation toward the highest-impact areas. Generative AI startups and initiatives attracted billions in new funding during 2023 even as other sectors saw slowdowns. And it’s not just startups – large enterprises are boosting tech budgets for cloud migrations, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Government incentives in various countries (such as digital adoption grants or AI research funding) add further fuel. The macro message is clear: despite recent uncertainties, there is strong conviction in the value of digital transformation, and capital is flowing accordingly. Smart investors and public-sector leaders are prioritizing technologies that drive productivity and resilience. For organizations, this means ample opportunity to secure funding for strategic digital initiatives – but also higher expectations to deliver ROI. The onus is on executives to target investments wisely (guided by trend insights) and ensure those investments translate into tangible outcomes. This brings us to execution at the micro level.
Micro-Execution: From Hype to Value
Adopting new technology is not a guarantee of success – it’s how you adopt and integrate it that makes the difference. Many enterprises learned this the hard way in earlier waves of digital disruption. As we look at 2025–2030, the mantra must be: focus on business value, not just hype. This entails smart timing, organizational readiness, and agile execution.
One useful mental model is the famous “hype cycle” concept, which describes how technologies progress from an initial trigger, to a peak of inflated expectations, through a trough of disillusionment, and eventually onto a plateau of productivity. The goal is to move from the hype to the productive value phase as efficiently as possible. KBC’s Hype-to-Value Lab is designed to help clients navigate this journey. We work with organizations to evaluate emerging tech against two axes – (1) the tech’s maturity and proven value, and (2) the organization’s readiness (skills, infrastructure, culture). This yields an Adoption Timing Matrix that pinpoints the “when and where” of adoption for maximum impact. Rather than chasing every shiny object, companies get a clear view of which innovations to pilot now, which to watch and wait, and which to ignore. Timing is critical: adopt too early and you risk wasted effort on unproven ideas; adopt too late and you fall behind competitors. Our framework ensures deliberate, ROI-focused experimentation and intentional innovation efforts (as opposed to uncontrolled, aimless experimentation). We emphasize being realistic about ROI and forward-looking in designing solutions that can scale and integrate securely . The result is a disciplined approach that echoes the advice to be deliberate and purpose-driven with new tech initiatives.
Equally important are the execution strategies at the micro level. This means adopting agile project methods, building cross-functional teams, and upskilling your workforce so they can effectively use new tools. Successful companies foster a culture of continuous improvement – they pilot small, learn fast, and then scale up what works. They also align each technology project with a clear business outcome from day one, measuring success in terms of customer experience, efficiency gains, or new revenue generated. There’s encouraging news: organizations are getting better at moving from experimentation to enterprise-scale deployment. According to recent research, many established digital technologies are now widely adopted – nearly 48% of companies have cloud and edge computing at scale, and 37% have scaled advanced connectivity solutions (5G, IoT). Even some newer trends are scaling rapidly: as of 2023, roughly 36% of companies have already implemented generative AI or other applied AI solutions at scale . This is remarkable progress in a short time, suggesting that the playbook for execution (from pilot to full rollout) is maturing.
Of course, a significant skills gap remains a challenge – especially in cutting-edge fields like AI and cybersecurity – but leading organizations are investing heavily in talent development and partnerships to close that gap. Building the right human capabilities goes hand-in-hand with deploying the tech. For instance, more companies are training “citizen developers” internally and embedding data scientists into business units to ensure new AI tools are actually used effectively.
In essence, micro-level success comes from disciplined strategy: pick the right battles (focus on tech that aligns with your business strategy), prove value through pilots, then scale up while managing risks. When done right, the results can be transformative. By 2026, generative AI could significantly alter 70% of new application development efforts – but only for those organizations that effectively integrate AI into their development lifecycle. Similarly, companies adopting structured continuous threat exposure management in cybersecurity are expected to reduce security breaches by two-thirds by 2026 – a testament to proactive execution. The takeaway: bridging the gap from hype to value is achievable with the right frameworks and culture. This is exactly where KBC’s expertise lies – partnering with clients to turn aspirational ideas into operational reality. We often deploy our Strategic Tech-Value Flywheel model, which illustrates how initial wins with a new technology (say an AI-driven process automation that cuts costs) can be reinvested into further initiatives, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of value creation. By continuously measuring outcomes and iterating, organizations create a flywheel effect where each tech deployment makes the next one easier and more impactful. Over time, this builds an innovation engine that propels the company far ahead of those stuck in the hype phase.
Future Scenarios 2025–2030: Industry, Policy & Entrepreneurship
What might the world look like by the end of this decade? Based on current trajectories, we can envision several future-facing scenarios across industries, government policy, and entrepreneurship. Here are a few snapshots of potential 2030 scenarios:
Industry 2030 – AI-Driven Everything: Enterprises could operate with AI co-pilots and autonomous systems embedded in most processes. In manufacturing and supply chains, AI agents might dynamically adjust production flows and logistics with minimal human intervention. Humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles may handle repetitive or dangerous tasks in warehouses, factories, and construction sites. Knowledge workers benefit from an augmented workforce where AR glasses and intelligent assistants provide real-time insights, boosting productivity and safety. Data analytics and AI aren’t just internal – they also face the customer. By 2030, your “customer” might often be an AI (for instance, smart home bots automatically ordering groceries or negotiating services). The rise of these machine customers will force B2C companies to rethink marketing and user experience if a significant chunk of purchases are initiated by algorithms rather than humans. (Imagine e-commerce sites optimizing for AI recommendation engines as much as for human shoppers.) Overall, industries become hyper-automated and data-driven, yielding huge efficiency gains but also requiring robust cybersecurity and governance to manage new risks.
Policy 2030 – Governance for a Digital Society: Governments worldwide are grappling with how to foster innovation while protecting citizens. By 2030, we expect more comprehensive frameworks around AI ethics and safety, data privacy, and digital identity. For example, regulations may mandate transparency in AI algorithms or enforce standards to prevent AI bias and harmful outcomes. Many jurisdictions could introduce a form of “AI Bill of Rights” that gives individuals greater control over their data and how AI is allowed to use it – much as Canada’s Digital Charter aims to ensure privacy, safety, and trust. Cybersecurity will also be a top national priority. As critical infrastructure and even military defense become AI- and IoT-powered, governments will invest heavily in cyber resilience. We may see international treaties on cyber warfare norms or on the use of AI in military contexts. On the flip side, public policy will actively promote tech innovation in key areas (AI, quantum computing, green tech) through funding and incentives, to ensure economic competitiveness. Leading digital nations might establish regulatory sandboxes where companies can pilot new technologies under streamlined rules. Policymakers will walk a fine line: encouraging breakthrough innovation and entrepreneurship, while ensuring technology is deployed in a human-centric, secure, and ethical way. The countries that succeed in this balance (Canada among them) will set the global tone for tech governance.
Entrepreneurship 2030 – New Frontiers: The latter half of the decade could be a golden era for tech entrepreneurs. With the cost of technology (cloud computing, AI APIs, open-source models) continuing to drop, even small startups can access capabilities that once only tech giants had. We’ll likely witness a boom in AI-native startups offering specialized services – for instance, AI tutors in education, AI-driven personalized medicine in healthcare, or AI financial advisors. Immersive digital experiences might finally mature (the so-called metaverse or whatever it evolves into), enabling entrepreneurs to create new modes of virtual work, entertainment, and social interaction. Innovations at the intersection of digital and physical worlds – say agri-tech solutions using IoT drones and AI for precision farming, or bio-tech startups using AI for drug discovery – will flourish as well. Entrepreneurship will also be more globally distributed; a startup in a smaller market like Canada can quickly scale internationally by leveraging cloud platforms and remote talent. That said, competition will be intense, and scaling successfully will require navigating regulatory landscapes (which, as noted, are evolving) and the dominance of platform ecosystems. The most successful entrepreneurs of 2030 will likely be those who can convert emerging tech into solutions for pressing problems – whether it’s climate change, healthcare access, or education – combining profit with purpose. In doing so, they’ll often partner with governments and big enterprises in new innovation models (for example, public-private labs to develop smart city tech). Overall, the entrepreneurial spirit will be alive and well, supercharged by technology and a world more open to digital-first business models.
These scenarios are, of course, speculative, but they are grounded in today’s realities and trendlines. They illustrate a future where technology is deeply woven into every facet of business and society. Organizations and leaders must be future-oriented, using tools like scenario planning to stay prepared. KBC routinely facilitates such strategic foresight exercises, helping clients imagine their industry’s evolution by 2030 and stress-test their strategies against multiple what-if scenarios. By anticipating future possibilities, you can make better decisions today – building the agility to thrive no matter how the future unfolds.
Canada’s Digital Leadership and Policy Frameworks
As a proudly Canadian firm, KBC is deeply familiar with Canada’s unique approach to digital transformation. Canada is striving to be not just a consumer of global tech, but a leader in areas like AI, fintech, and digital governance. The federal government has laid down important policy frameworks to enable this leadership. A cornerstone is Canada’s Digital Charter, a set of 10 principles designed to build a foundation of trust in the digital economy. These principles range from Universal Access (ensuring all Canadians can participate in the digital world) and Safety & Security, to Control & Consent over personal data, Transparency, a Level Playing Field for businesses, and strong Enforcement & Accountability. The Digital Charter underscores that privacy and trust are prerequisites for innovation – Canadians should know their data is protected and companies held accountable. Legislation to enact these principles is underway (e.g. Bill C-27, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022) which will modernize Canada’s privacy laws and introduce new rules for the development and deployment of AI . This includes measures like increased control for individuals over their personal data, data portability rights, stronger fines for misuse of data, and requirements that companies design AI systems responsibly . By safeguarding rights while promoting innovation, Canada aims to create a people-centric digital economy where citizens and businesses feel safe to engage and experiment.
Another pillar of Canada’s strategy is a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. In February 2025, the government launched a new National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS), signaling an updated and ambitious approach to protect Canadians and critical infrastructure in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. The strategy is notable for its “whole-of-society” approach – recognizing that federal agencies, provincial governments, private sector companies, academia, and even individual citizens all have roles in building cyber resilience. It outlines plans to improve partnerships for information sharing, invest in cyber innovation (such as supporting a new Cyber Talent and Innovation Hub), and align closely with international allies (especially the U.S.) on cyber defense. As Public Safety Minister David McGuinty put it during the announcement, “Canada must continue to be a leader in cyber security… [through] a whole-of-society and agile approach to protecting our nation’s cyber security” . This proactive stance means Canadian organizations will operate in an environment where cybersecurity is prioritized and supported – a crucial advantage in an era of escalating cyber threats. Businesses can tap into government resources and guidance (for example, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security) to bolster their defenses, which in turn enhances Canada’s reputation as a safe place to do digital business.
Crucially, Canada also recognizes the need to support digital adoption by businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the economy. The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), launched in 2022, has been a flagship initiative providing grants and expertise to help SMEs digitize their operations. As of mid-2025, the program has supported over 71,000 businesses, disbursing about $1.2 billion in grants, loans, and wage subsidies . Through CDAP, tens of thousands of firms built e-commerce platforms, implemented CRM and ERP systems, adopted digital marketing tools, and more – significantly boosting the country’s overall digital maturity. (Demand was so high that the main grant streams became fully subscribed well ahead of schedule.) While the initial funding phase has concluded, CDAP leaves behind a legacy of improved competitiveness and a robust network of approved digital advisors (including KBC) who continue to guide SMEs. We expect continued focus from policymakers on SME digitization – potentially through new tax credits for technology investments or specialized programs to drive AI adoption and cybersecurity upgrades in smaller firms. The Canadian approach – pairing financial support with advisory services – has been instrumental in closing the gap for businesses that lacked the resources or know-how to go digital.
Finally, it’s worth noting Canada’s collaborative approach between government, academia, and industry in driving innovation. Programs like the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy (which established AI research hubs in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton) have put Canada on the map for AI research talent. The government has also invested in expanding digital infrastructure (for example, rural broadband initiatives to ensure universal Internet access) and in skills training for the digital economy. All these efforts create a fertile ground for digital transformation. Companies operating in Canada benefit from a clear policy framework that supports trust (Digital Charter principles), security (the cyber strategy), and innovation adoption (CDAP and similar programs). At KBC, we leverage this environment by ensuring our clients’ strategies align with these national frameworks – whether it’s designing solutions with privacy and security by design to meet Charter principles, or helping clients take full advantage of available government incentives for digital projects. The result is a synergy where public policy and private innovation reinforce each other, propelling Canada’s digital leadership globally.
KBC’s Services & Frameworks: Enabling Successful Transformation
Achieving digital transformation at this scale and complexity requires not just insight, but hands-on execution support. This is where Knowledge Based Consulting (KBC) comes in. We pride ourselves on being a top Canadian authority – with global relevance – in digital strategy and implementation. Our services and proprietary frameworks are engineered to de-risk the journey and accelerate time-to-value. In particular, we offer:
- Digital Business Playbook: A strategic architecture service that helps organizations design their digital environment in a way that retains control over data and technology. In an era of cloud computing and foreign tech giants, issues of data residency, privacy compliance, and autonomy have become critical. Our blueprint ensures that clients can leverage the best technologies (including public cloud and SaaS platforms) while maintaining sovereignty over their data and systems. We align solutions with principles from Canada’s Digital Charter and global best practices on data governance. For example, we map out hybrid cloud architectures that keep sensitive data on Canadian soil, implement encryption and identity management to give organizations full control of access, and evaluate “sovereign cloud” options where appropriate. This way, businesses – especially in sensitive sectors like government, healthcare, or finance – can innovate confidently without compromising on trust or regulatory requirements. It’s about having your cake and eating it too: embracing the agility of modern tech and ensuring compliance and control.
- Hype-to-Value Digital Hub: An innovation hub and advisory service that takes emerging tech from buzzword to business case. As discussed, this lab uses tools like our Adoption Timing Matrix to filter through the hype and identify which new technologies truly match a client’s needs and readiness. We run structured pilot projects (often 8–12 week sprints) to rapidly test the viability of a technology in the client’s context. Crucially, we then help scale the successful pilots into full deployments that deliver ROI. For example, if a retail client is curious about AI chatbots, our Hype-to-Value Lab might prototype a chatbot for their customer service, measure its impact (e.g. faster response times, higher customer satisfaction), and then craft the roadmap for a broader rollout including integration with live agents and CRM systems. The lab’s mantra is “innovate, validate, value-create.” By engaging KBC’s lab, organizations ensure they stay at the cutting edge pragmatically – focusing on outcomes and avoiding shiny-object syndrome. We also facilitate innovation workshops and training through this lab, so that our clients’ teams build capability alongside the new tech.
- Adoption Timing Matrix: One of KBC’s frameworks (often employed within the Hype-to-Value Lab) that provides a structured lens on when to adopt technology. It cross-references the maturity of a tech (e.g. experimental, emerging, established) with the client’s own capabilities and risk appetite. The output might categorize tech initiatives as “Act Now”, “Plan for Next”, or “Monitor for Later.” This helps leadership teams allocate resources wisely. The matrix is informed by industry research and real-world data – for instance, if trend analysis suggests a certain technology will reach mainstream maturity in 2–3 years and the client has a strong foundation to build on it, we’d recommend investing ahead of that curve. Conversely, if a tech is too nascent or the client lacks the necessary infrastructure or skills, we’d recommend holding off. This approach ensures strategic timing – catching the wave at the right moment for maximum impact and minimal regret. It directly addresses one of the biggest reasons digital projects fail: poor timing and preparedness.
- Strategic Tech-Value Flywheel: Another KBC framework, this model ensures that technology adoption isn’t a one-off event but a continuous cycle of value generation. We help clients set up a feedback loop where each implementation (no matter how small) is measured and lessons are fed into the next iteration. The “flywheel” starts with a strategic goal (say improving customer experience), identifies a tech initiative to achieve it (e.g. a mobile app or AI personalization engine), then measures the value delivered (e.g. higher customer satisfaction or increased sales). That value and knowledge gained are then reinvested – perhaps by expanding the initiative or tackling a new opportunity that builds on the success. Over time, the organization builds momentum: quick wins build confidence and fund bigger moves. This approach resonates with the idea that trends should be combined and aligned to strategy to create virtuous cycles of value delivery. Ultimately, KBC’s Tech-Value Flywheel helps clients move faster with each turn, accelerating transformation in a sustainable, evidence-driven way. It turns digital transformation from a finite project into an ongoing capability.
Through these services and tools, KBC acts as a critical enabler for our clients. We bring an executive-level perspective – aligning every tech initiative with the client’s business strategy and policy context (especially important for Canadian public-sector clients mindful of national frameworks). Our team stays on top of global best practices (drawing on insights from Gartner, IDC, academic research, etc.) but we tailor solutions to each client’s unique environment and culture. Whether it’s a government agency looking to digitize citizen services, a financial firm exploring blockchain, or a startup trying to scale an AI platform, we position ourselves as partners in success. We don’t just hand over a report and walk away; we work side by side through implementation, change management, and capability building. That’s the level of commitment needed for true transformation – and it’s what we love to do.
Conclusion: Thriving in the Digital Decade
The period from 2025 to 2030 will be a defining one for organizations and economies. Digital transformation is no longer optional – it is the driving force behind competitive advantage, efficiency, and even societal progress. The convergence of trends in AI, cloud, connectivity, and sustainability promises a future of immense opportunity, but also complexity. Those at the helm – CEOs, CIOs, policymakers, investors – must navigate both the “big picture” and the granular execution challenges. We’ve seen that macro trends (like surging tech investments and supportive government policies) create a favorable wind, but success will ultimately depend on vision and execution at the micro level. Leaders need to be bold yet prudent: invest in innovation, but ground decisions in strategy and data. Embrace new technologies, but also strengthen the human foundations of skills, culture, and trust.
Canada is uniquely positioned in this landscape as a country that values trust and inclusivity while fostering innovation. By leveraging national strengths – a talented workforce, world-class research institutions, and strong public institutions – Canada can continue punching above its weight. The Digital Charter and updated cyber strategy ensure we have the trust infrastructure to undergird digital growth, while programs like CDAP have shown we can mobilize tens of thousands of businesses to level up digitally. These are significant competitive advantages on the global stage.
For our part, Knowledge Based Consulting (KBC) is excited to be at the forefront of this journey. We are committed to helping organizations in Canada and beyond not only adopt the latest technologies, but truly transform – to reimagine business models, unlock new value streams, and strengthen resilience in a digital world. We will continue to update our playbooks with the latest insights (such as Gartner’s tech trend forecasts around protecting investments, empowering builders, and delivering value, or McKinsey’s data on where companies are successfully scaling tech). Our goal is to translate thought leadership into practical roadmaps for our clients – serving as a bridge between what’s hyped and what works.
In closing, the next decade belongs to those who can anticipate change and act decisively. The year 2030 may seem distant, but building the capabilities to thrive in 2030 starts now. We encourage all leaders to ask themselves: Is our organization harnessing the right trends? Are we investing in the capabilities and governance to turn tech into value? If you have any doubt, now is the time to firm up your strategy. KBC stands ready as your partner in crafting a digital transformation blueprint that is ambitious, adaptive, and anchored in value. Together, let’s ensure that when 2030 arrives, your organization isn’t just surviving – but leading and prospering in the digitally transformed world. Book a call with us today!
References
- Precedence Research – Digital Transformation Market Size, Share & Trends 2025–2034. Global market projected to grow from $1.18 T in 2024 to ~$10.76 T by 2034 (24.7% CAGR) .
- GlobeNewswire (Research & Markets), “Digital Transformation Markets in Canada, 2024–2029” – Canadian ICT sector revenues reached CAD $270 B in 2023, up from $206.8 B in 2018 .
- McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2024 – Highlights 15 top trends; generative AI and electrification/renewables stood out in 2023 (gen AI interest spiked ~700% in searches) .
- Gartner, Top Strategic Technology Trends 2024 – Ten key tech trends grouped under themes “Protect Your Investment, Rise of the Builders, Deliver the Value.” Includes AI TRiSM, CTEM, sustainable tech, platform engineering, AI-augmented development, industry cloud, intelligent apps, democratized GenAI, augmented workforce, and machine customers .
- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Emerging Tech 2024 – Identifies four core innovation themes: Autonomous AI, Developer Productivity, Total Experience, and Human-Centric Security/Privacy . (E.g. by 2027, 25% of CIOs will have compensation tied to sustainable tech impact .)
- McKinsey Global Survey (2023) – Many companies are moving from pilots to scale: ~48% have cloud/edge computing at scale, 37% have scaled advanced connectivity (5G/IoT), and ~36% have scaled AI solutions (incl. generative or applied AI) .
- Deloitte 2025 Tech Industry Outlook – Projects ~9.3% growth in global IT spending for 2025 (to $5.74 T) , driven by investments in GenAI infrastructure. Reports 62% of tech executives view the industry as “healthy” heading into 2024 and believe now is a good time to increase innovation risk-taking .
- IDC Worldwide Digital Transformation Spending Guide (V2 2023) – Forecasts global DX spending to reach ~$3.9 T in 2027, with a 16.1% CAGR over 2022–27 . DX spend expected to comprise an increasing share of total IT spending in coming years.
- Government of Canada – Canada’s Digital Charter (2019) and Bill C-27: Digital Charter Implementation Act (pending). Establishes 10 principles for a trusted digital economy (from Universal Access and Safety to Transparency and Accountability) and updates privacy law and AI governance for the private sector .
- Government of Canada – National Cyber Security Strategy 2025 (Public Safety Canada announcement, Feb 6, 2025). Emphasizes a “whole-of-society” approach to cyber resilience, enhanced public-private collaboration, and alignment with international allies . Initial federal investment of $37.8 M over 6 years to implement the strategy.
- Government of Canada (ISED) – Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) results (June 2025 update). Provided ~$1.2 B in grants and loans to over 71,000 Canadian SMEs , helping businesses boost e-commerce, adopt digital tools, and increase competitiveness in the digital economy.
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