‘Digital forces us to constantly explore how to balance human and business needs with the possibilities created by technology. It’s always changing and always challenging,’ emphasises Hamilton Jones, Head of Strategy and Transformation at Deepend. This couldn’t be truer than it is today, as we stand on the precipice of large-scale transformation. 

Every tech giant and technology-based business that thrives in the present tech industry landscape is experimenting with generative AI and other emerging technologies. As interactions between humans and technology blur, diverge, and evolve, they are fundamentally changing the way we connect, communicate, and engage with data-driven insights and the unique possibilities these innovations enable.  

This article explores the top five AI trends for 2025, poised to reshape industries and level the playing field. It’s the first part of a series that highlights key opportunities for AI adoption and integration, and how these developments will shape the future — a future that could either explode with potential or open doors to a more promising and convenient tomorrow. The following trends stand out as the most influential across various professions and industries. 

1. The growing need for ethical governance in the age of Generative AI 

A key concern is the urgent need for stronger governance around the responsible use of AI. According to the latest ACS Digital Pulse, 55% of the tech workforce in Australia believe their workplace lacks the policies and frameworks to address ethical issues related to generative AI. With the rise of NLP (Natural Language Processing) and deep learning technologies, which are both generative and contextual, the world of work is being transformed. As reliance on tools like ChatGPT grows for quick suggestions and easy compositions, the ethical framework surrounding generative AI must be reinforced. Concerns about disinformation, inaccuracies, and biased content could lead to widespread confusion and dissatisfaction. 

In 2025, we can expect more hidden challenges to surface in managing AI’s ethical impact. 

2. ‘AIaaS’ will turn a corner: Revolutionising CX and driving innovation  

AI as a Service (AIaaS) is set to become a defining trend in 2025, revolutionising customer experience (CX) and powering human-centric innovation. As AI becomes increasingly accessible, businesses will make strategic investments in AIaaS to optimise human interactions and deliver measurable ROI. AIaaS will dominate key areas such as Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Speech Recognition, Chatbots, AI-powered Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT/AIoT). Real-world applications like Google Cloud AI providing cutting-edge machine learning services for businesses, or autonomous delivery drones powered by AI, demonstrate how AIaaS is transforming industries. In the near future, AIaaS will be an essential, game-changing tool that businesses across sectors rely on to drive innovation. 

3. Reskilling for the AI revolution: navigating emerging roles and ethical challenges  

A recent Statista report reveals that 40% of workers will need to reskill due to AI and automation between 2023 and 2025. This staggering statistic highlights not just a technological shift, but a fundamental change in the job landscape. As AI continues to advance, there is an increasing demand for professionals with skills in machine learning, data analysis, AI ethics, and AI integration. Roles like AI specialists, data scientists, ethics compliance officers, AI product managers, and automation engineers are rapidly emerging across industries. But the challenge isn't just technical. With AI's integration into business processes, companies need individuals who can navigate the ethical complexities of AI deployment—ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability. As the pace of technological transformation accelerates, adapting to these new roles and acquiring analytical and ethical capabilities will be key to thriving in an AI-driven workforce. The question is: are you ready to evolve yet? 

4. E-Commerce or EQ-Commerce? Is Emotional Intelligence the key to boosting sales?  

Emotion AI, a rapidly evolving subset of artificial intelligence, is set to revolutionise the e-commerce landscape by leveraging emotional intelligence to create stronger, more personalised connections between consumers and businesses. By analysing customers' emotional responses through facial recognition, voice analysis, and behavioural tracking, Emotion AI enables brands to anticipate and respond to the emotional triggers of individual shoppers. This ability to target the most aligned buyer—someone who not only fits the demographic profile but also resonates emotionally with a product—will dramatically enhance conversion rates and drive sales. A prime example is Coca-Cola’s use of Emotion AI in its online advertising campaigns, which successfully identified and engaged consumers based on their emotional responses to ads, leading to increased purchase intent. Powered by machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision, Emotion AI is making the leap from novelty to necessity, with Gen Z driving the demand for hyper-personalisation. As this technology matures, its impact on the e-commerce industry will only grow, making Emotion AI a key driver of sales in 2025 and the coming years.

5. Spotlight: AI is the new search 

AI is revolutionising how we search. Gone are the days of simply typing keywords and scrolling through links. With AI-driven platforms like Google’s Search Generative Experience, Perplexity AI, Komo and voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa, search is evolving into a more intuitive, conversational process. In the near future, AI will understand context, intent, and even emotion, offering instant, personalised answers instead of static query-response results. This shift is powered by advanced AI models that pull data from multiple sources to generate comprehensive responses. For example, instead of searching for "best travel destinations in Australia," you might simply ask, “What are the top hidden gems to visit in Australia this summer?” and receive a curated, tailored list. As AI continues to shape search, by 2025, we’ll experience search engines that offer dynamic, context-aware results in a more human-like, conversational way. 

Embracing AI is essential for unlocking a range of benefits across industries. In healthcare, AI is enhancing efficiencies, reducing costs, and improving accessibility. Similarly, in advertising, AI-driven innovation is merging with traditional practices to reshape the landscape. As highlighted in the latest ACS Digital Pulse, the Australian Government is also taking proactive steps to close the AI gap, with a notable investment of $101.2 million in the 2024 Federal Budget to help businesses integrate AI and quantum technologies. This investment highlights how AI is not just transforming sectors, but also driving a culture of continuous innovation. As AI evolves, it challenges us to balance human needs with the vast possibilities technology offers—an exciting, ongoing journey of exploration and adaptation. 

Generative AI is no longer a future trend—it's here, and early adopters are already seeing significant rewards. To learn more about how you can lead the way in adopting AI to drive impactful business outcomes, explore our article, “Exploring the Transformative Implications of Generative AI on Customer Experiences.” It delves into how generative AI can reshape customer experiences and accelerate your business growth.