The power of technology and AI in shaping global influence

Innovation is not merely about progress; it is a driving force behind power, influence and the ability to shape economic, political and social dynamics on a global scale. This year’s CES not only featured an impressive array of technological advancements but also underscored the fundamental role of innovation in determining the competitive advantages of nations, corporations and industries. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, its impact on global power structures becomes increasingly apparent, with governments and enterprises striving to maintain leadership in key technological domains to secure their future influence.

From artificial intelligence and quantum computing to biotechnology and the Internet of Things (IoT), breakthrough innovations are reshaping industries and paving the way for entirely new economic sectors. Governments are integrating digital strategies into their national security frameworks, recognising that technological supremacy is now as critical as military or economic strength. Meanwhile, corporations are leveraging data-driven insights, automation and artificial intelligence to optimise operations, gain a competitive edge and unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency that redefine market landscapes.

At CES 2025, discussions focused on how businesses and policymakers can navigate this rapidly evolving technological environment while addressing pressing concerns such as cybersecurity, data sovereignty and the ethical implications of AI. The challenge facing leaders today is not only how to capitalise on these advancements but also how to do so in a responsible and sustainable manner—one that safeguards privacy, promotes inclusivity and aligns innovation with societal values to create a balanced technological future.

Does consumer demand for AI match supply?

The integration of artificial intelligence into consumer products has reached an all-time high, but does the pace of innovation truly align with consumer needs, expectations and comfort levels? AI-powered solutions have become deeply embedded in daily life, manifesting in everything from smart assistants and facial recognition technology to predictive analytics, personalised content recommendations and autonomous vehicles. However, despite the excitement within the tech sector, a growing question persists—are consumers genuinely prepared for the AI-driven future that companies are building at an accelerating pace?

Research presented at CES 2025 revealed a disparity between AI supply and consumer demand. While corporations are in a race to embed AI into their offerings, a significant proportion of consumers remain sceptical, hesitant, or outright resistant to fully embracing AI-driven technologies. Concerns surrounding data privacy, ethical considerations and fears of job displacement due to automation have contributed to a complex and often cautious reception of AI adoption. Many consumers indicate a preference for AI to function in the background—enhancing experiences without compromising security, making interactions feel overly mechanical, or encroaching upon personal autonomy.

Further, regulatory frameworks around AI are evolving at a rapid pace, as policymakers work to establish clear guidelines that ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technologies. The European Union has taken a leading role in drafting AI regulations, introducing measures that aim to protect consumers while simultaneously fostering innovation. In the United States, conversations surrounding AI governance and accountability have intensified, with stakeholders debating the fine balance between industry self-regulation and governmental oversight to mitigate potential risks associated with AI’s widespread adoption.

Companies that successfully bridge the gap between AI innovation and consumer trust will be best positioned to lead in this new era of AI-driven growth. This means prioritising transparency, granting consumers greater control over their data and demonstrating the tangible benefits of AI beyond mere efficiency gains. Brands that fail to address these concerns risk alienating their customer base, as trust, reliability and usability emerge as defining factors in AI adoption and long-term consumer engagement.

The role of emerging technologies in global competition

Beyond AI, several other technological advancements featured prominently at CES 2025, reinforcing the idea that innovation has become a critical determinant of global influence. Quantum computing, for instance, continues to advance, with both tech giants and start-ups racing to develop commercially viable quantum processors. The potential of quantum technology to revolutionise fields such as cryptography, materials science and logistics underscores its strategic importance, prompting nations and corporations to invest heavily in research and development to secure a first-mover advantage in this groundbreaking domain.

Similarly, biotechnology and personalised medicine are transforming the healthcare industry, offering tailored treatments that leverage genetic data and advanced diagnostics to improve patient outcomes. Start-ups showcased breakthroughs in synthetic biology, gene editing and AI-driven drug discovery, highlighting the convergence of technology and life sciences as a key growth area for the coming decade. Governments are increasingly recognising the geopolitical significance of these advancements, with investments in biotechnological innovation becoming a priority for economic resilience, public health and national security.

The IoT also stood out at CES 2025, with new applications in smart cities, industrial automation and consumer electronics taking centre stage. As billions of devices become interconnected, businesses must confront pressing challenges related to data security, interoperability and infrastructure scalability. With smart cities emerging as a major focus area, technology companies are collaborating with governments to create intelligent urban environments that optimise energy usage, enhance mobility and improve public services through data-driven decision-making, ensuring cities of the future are more efficient and sustainable.

The future of tech-driven influence

The convergence of innovation, policy and consumer expectations is reshaping global power structures at an unprecedented pace. The ability to create, control and scale technology will determine the future of economic and political leadership, as companies and nations compete to establish dominance in key technological domains. As artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology continue to progress, businesses must ensure that their technological advancements are not only cutting-edge but also ethically responsible, aligned with consumer expectations and compliant with evolving regulatory frameworks.

CES 2025 has made one thing abundantly clear: technology is no longer just an industry—it is a force that actively shapes economies, societies and governance on a fundamental level. Those who harness it effectively, while addressing concerns around trust, security and ethics, will define the future. The challenge for businesses and policymakers alike is to strike the right balance between technological ambition and responsible innovation, ensuring that progress serves humanity as a whole rather than exacerbating inequalities or geopolitical tensions.

Looking ahead, it is evident that technological innovation will remain at the heart of global influence. The companies and nations that succeed will be those that not only lead in terms of research and development but also set the standards for ethical deployment, regulatory compliance and consumer-centric innovation. The future of technology is not merely about who builds the most advanced systems—it is about who builds them in a way that earns trust, fosters inclusivity and drives meaningful progress for all.