Opinion – Ronaldo Lemos: Trends for 2022

It’s even difficult to choose which of the myriad technology trends will be important in 2022. So maybe it’s better to start by pointing out the one that won’t be important for the coming year: the metaverse.

Much has been said on the subject, and several bets are being taken out. However, 2022 will not be the year that the metaverse will materialize. A truly immersive technology can still take five or more years to develop, if at all.

The only exception is if you are a child. In that case, there is a huge probability that you already live in some kind of metaverse. Contemporary children (at least those who are connected and have access to digital devices) are already immersed in digital platforms like Roblox and others that compete with reality itself. For these children, the distinction between virtual and real is blurred, and the very word “metaverse”—as something that is “beyond”—makes no sense. It is something that is present, here and now, in their lives.

As for the trends that should be important in the next 12 months, the universe of cryptocurrencies, blockchains and DeFi (decentralized finance) will certainly have a lot to talk about. Either for the positive aspects or for the negative ones.

Pessimists believe that 2022 will be the year of the cryptocurrency price crash. Optimists believe that we have already passed the point of no return and that the crypto world will increasingly integrate with the traditional financial system, even with the intention of replacing it in several functions.

Another trend present in 2022 is the shortage of microchips, which is expected to continue. The production of microprocessors has become a critical sector, relevant even from a geopolitical point of view and for national security issues. It is a shame that Brazil is distancing itself from this market and from the possibility of participating in the development of this type of technology locally.

Speaking of Brazil, there are many hot topics on the horizon. Starting with 5G, which now enters another phase: the implementation challenge. The country chose to create a “pure-blooded” 5G network, which, if actually installed, could serve as the infrastructure for several leaps in efficiency.

The point is that the country took too long to start launching 5G. It remains to be seen whether this delay will not compromise the benefits possible if the technology had arrived earlier.

Another relevant topic for the country is the effervescent market for local startup companies, which has been driving innovation processes in the country powered by venture capital. High interest rates could cool this ecosystem, which had a promising year in 2022.

From a legislative point of view, there are several topics under discussion. The fake news bill is expected to continue in Congress, as well as the bill to regulate artificial intelligence.

What is nowhere to be found is a blueprint for where we want to go in the world of technology. What does the country want to do? What do you want to prioritize and in which markets and sectors do you want to compete? Without being clear about that, as a country you can’t get anywhere. A good year for all of us.

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