Emerging technologies are new technologies that are still under development but have the potential to have a major impact on society. They are often characterised by their rapid pace of innovation and their potential to disrupt existing industries and create new ones. Some examples of emerging technologies are Artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Blockchain, Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), 3D printing, Gene editing, Nanotechnology, etc. Emerging technologies can be complex, but they are also incredibly exciting. They have the potential to solve some of the world's most concerning problems and create a better future for everyone.
What is the impact of emerging technologies on the UK digital business?
The ongoing impact of emerging technologies on the UK job market is a common topic of discussion these days. While it is true that these emerging technologies are changing the world we live in at an incredibly fast pace, it is important to bear in mind that they are also satisfying needs and desires that were previously unfulfilled. These advances not only make our lives easier but also much more meaningful. For example, you can use a GPS navigation app to find your way around a new city or a video conferencing app to meet with colleagues or friends far away.
As companies around the world adopt new and upcoming emerging technologies for business, many jobs will become redundant. The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts in its The Future of Jobs Report 2020 that in around 85 million roles, humans will be displaced by machines by 2025. However, the WEF also claims that this shift in the division of labour between humans and machines will eventually create an upsurge in our favour. A total of 97 million new career opportunities, it estimates, will come into being as a result of this digital transformation!
So, if you’re interested in being part of the emerging professions, now is a great time to study emerging technologies in e-commerce, education, business, etc. Companies will need a thoroughly skilled workforce to take advantage of these new opportunities. This is a great time for you to pursue a career in emerging technologies in the UK. You can build a secure future for yourself while joining the 3 million people who are already working in the UK tech industry with world-class companies. These companies are training up a new generation of talent and you could be a part of it.
How emerging technologies in the UK are changing the way we live?
Have you ever thought about a time when you didn't look at a single screen or didn't use emerging technologies in any way? It's hard to remember, right? During the third quarter of 2022, the average time spent online per day by internet users in the UK was five hours and 47 minutes daily.
Emerging technologies have taken over our lives in so many ways. Listening to music, online shopping, watching movies, working from an office or remotely and even education is experienced through digital mediums today. Therefore, before you start to study emerging technologies, it is important to understand how they impact us and how they have become an indispensable part of our lives.
1: Impact of emerging technologies in social media
As of August 2023, there are over 4.88 billion active social media users worldwide. That is 60.6% of the global population! This impressive number has been achieved due to the rapid growth of emerging technologies for business in the mobile phone industry.
Emerging technologies have made the internet so accessible that everyone uses it to consume content for multiple purposes and in multiple formats like texts, images, audio or videos. In addition, the social media tech giants have also developed algorithms that use consumer activity to personalise content, creating custom feeds for each user. Based on the data collected, they can now show us the content that interests us most. Some of the major social media giants are:
- Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
- X (formerly known as Twitter)
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Spotify
- Telegram
- Discord
- Snapchat
- Clubhouse
2: Impact of emerging technologies in e-commerce
Online shopping has been around for a while, but in the last decade, emerging technologies for business have transformed the retail industry, giving birth to e-commerce. In 2019, UK non-financial sector e-commerce sales reached £668.9 billion, up from £639.7 billion in 2018. This shift has significantly altered how consumers shop and how businesses sell products and services. Thanks to emerging technologies, e-commerce provides unparalleled convenience. We can now browse websites, compare prices and buy products from the comfort of our own homes or on-the-go!
Platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Argos and IKEA have been able to enhance their services, expand their customer support, personalise product recommendations and improve overall consumer satisfaction, resulting in a loyal user base. As a result, online shopping has become the preferred choice for many people.
3: Impact of emerging technologies in education
The impact of emerging technologies in education has been profound, making both students’ and teachers’ lives easier. Nowadays, you will find that educational institutions and corporations integrate technology into their teaching methods to motivate and enable their students and employees to perform better. Some examples of emerging technologies being used in education include:
- E-books
- Online notes
- Smart classrooms
- Digital assignments
- Interactive whiteboards
- Augmented reality (AR)
- Classroom chat apps
- Gamification
However, without a doubt, online education stands out as the primary domain in which emerging technologies have left their mark. The education sector has been completely transformed with the emergence of online learning platforms. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when schools and colleges were forced to close, numerous educational institutions and organisations have embraced remote learning and have rolled out a wide array of courses, catering to individuals of all ages, covering a vast range of subjects. These courses are readily accessible through online learning platforms called learning management systems (LMS).
What makes online education truly special is that it offers you the flexibility that most traditional educational institutions generally lack. You now have the opportunity to learn at your own pace, in your own time and in almost any location. It's no wonder that online education is gaining popularity among students. In fact, it's predicted that by 2030, the online education market will reach a staggering value of USD 602 billion!
4: Impact of emerging technologies in business
Emerging technologies have made a strong impact on businesses around the world. When you look at this from a bird’s eye view, you notice how these technologies have fundamentally changed how companies work. They give businesses a greater understanding of what their customers like and how they behave. This means companies can now offer products and services that we really want. Also, more businesses have come onto the market because starting a business is so much easier now. In 2022, almost 800,000 new startups were founded in the UK, in total, a 4.53% increase from 2021. Many of these companies use digital tools to make things run more smoothly and save time. And because of this, we get better and faster customer service with chatbots taking the place of unwieldy phone conversations with busy call centre staff.
The impact of emerging technologies business and all other aspects of our lives is one of the biggest reasons why companies around the world are looking for professionals who really understand these emerging technologies, be it related to AI, IoT, Blockchain, software or data.
Want to learn emerging technologies?
Study emerging technologies in the UK
Digital transformation comes with its own set of unique challenges. Its impact on privacy and security cannot be overstated. With the accumulation of personal information and data on the internet, whether it’s on an online learning platform, social media, e-commerce website, or even government websites, the risk of data breaches, identity theft and cyberbullying has surged. Therefore, another important reason to study emerging technologies in the UK is to learn how to safeguard yourself and others from these attacks. This is where our professional HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) course comes in.
HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security)
Our HND programme in digital technologies for England in cyber security includes a whole section about emerging technologies for business and how to apply them in real-life situations. Additionally, you will also learn and gain all the necessary knowledge and skills in this emerging field of digital computing through applied learning. With this intensive course, you can prepare for a career in emerging technologies, specialising in cyber security. Here’ more information about our HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) course.
Intakes |
September, January, June |
Duration |
2 years |
Awarding institution |
Pearson Education |
Level of qualification |
BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma |
Locations |
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds |
The demand for trained experts in areas such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, software development, data analysis, cyber security and digital marketing in the UK has skyrocketed in recent years. Organisations are now actively recruiting professionals who are well-versed in emerging technologies for business. However, as this is a relatively new field of study, a skills gap has been revealed, creating a shortage of professionals who can meet these new requirements.
Our HND in digital technologies for England (Cyber Security) programme is designed to bridge this gap. By enrolling on our course, you’ll not only learn about the impact of emerging technologies, as well as other significant aspects currently taking place in the digital world. You will learn how to apply them to real-life situations in the workplace. Some of the topics we will cover during the course includes:
- Digital economy
- Innovation and digital transformation
- Programming
- Big data and visualisation
- Security
- Cloud networking
- Cyber security
- Business intelligence
- Emerging technologies
During your studies, you’ll learn about a wide range of topics. As part of your coursework, you’ll be given assignments to assess your progress and test your knowledge. So why wait? Enrol in our HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) course today and embark on your journey into the world of emerging technologies.
A career in emerging technologies in the UK
After completing your BTEC Level 5 HND, you will be ready to step into this emerging field and pursue a career in emerging technologies in the UK. Below, we've listed some of the most popular career paths that you can pursue:
- Business analyst
- Digital Technologist
- IT Support technician
- Data analyst
- Software developer
- Network technician
- Software tester
- Risk analyst
- Data analytics consultant
- Database administrator
- Web developer
- IoT developer
Apart from the disciplines mentioned above, the course covers a wide range of other topics, providing you with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the digital age. So, choose Global Banking School (GBS) to pursue a successful career in emerging technologies. Enrol now!
Frequently asked questions about the impact of emerging technologies in the UK
1. What are emerging technologies?
2. What are digital technologies?
Digital technologies use computer technology to process and transmit information. They include smartphones, computers, the internet, intranets, software and other digital devices and software applications. These technologies have transformed how we communicate, work, learn and live.
3. What is the impact of emerging technologies on different industries?
Emerging technologies have always had a transformative impact on various industries. They've changed how businesses operate, people shop, students learn and how we communicate with others. Online shopping has made the retail sector more agile and convenient for shoppers. In education, online learning platforms have made learning more flexible. Emerging technologies have also created new job opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data, blockchain, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, software development and data analysis.
4. Why should I study digital technologies?
Choosing to study digital technologies could be a profitable step for the aspiring student looking for an exciting career, as this is one of the most rapidly emerging fields. This industry is already changing the world and will significantly shape it more aggressively in the coming years. By learning about digital technologies, you'll be better prepared for success in this job market. Additionally, it's interesting to understand how these technologies work and impact our daily lives.
5. What are the benefits of emerging technologies?
Emerging technologies are rapidly developing technologies that have the potential to impact society and the economy significantly. They offer a wide range of benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, improved communication and connectivity, enhanced healthcare, improved education and increased safety and security. Emerging technologies are transforming many sectors of the economy. In the e-commerce sector, they are making online shopping easier and more personalised. In the social media sector, they are creating more immersive and engaging experiences. In the education sector, they are making learning more accessible and personalised. In the healthcare sector, they are helping to develop new medical treatments and diagnostic tools. And in the safety and security sector, they are helping to develop new systems to protect people and infrastructure. Overall, emerging technologies can potentially improve our lives in many ways.
6. How can I pursue a career in digital technology?
If you're interested in pursuing a career in digital technology, it's important to start by learning about relevant topics such as programming, cybersecurity, or data analysis. Our HND Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) course is a great starting point for your digital journey. Once you have completed this course, you can explore job opportunities in fields such as software development, IT support, data analytics and more. To build a successful career in digital technology and learn about emerging technologies for business, it is important to understand and gain practical knowledge in these areas.
To enrol in our HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) course, you must fulfil certain formal requirements. These may include having a Level 3 or equivalent qualification and being proficient in English at a CEFR B2 level. However, you may also be eligible to apply if you have two years of relevant work experience. Please visit our course page for further information.