4 High-Growth Industries to Watch in 2025

The global economy is constantly evolving, with new industries emerging and existing ones transforming. By 2025, several sectors are expected to grow significantly, including e-commerce, telemedicine, and the cleantech sectors.

However, 4 sectors have shown substantial growth and are expected to experience significant expansion in 2025 and beyond, offering consumers, investors, and entrepreneurs opportunities for growth and innovation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global trends.

Online Casinos

The global iGaming industry is on track for significant growth in 2025. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global online gambling market is projected to reach $97.15 billion in 2024. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, driven by several key factors, including the accessibility and affordability of smartphones.

The widespread adoption of 5G technology by 2025 is expected to increase, with 5 billion expected to have access to mobile internet. Already 80% of global mobile users access online casinos. Nikita Jones explains that some of the best casinos to play Plinko, Blackjack, slots, and more are mobile-optimized, responsive, and user-friendly. The displays are designed to fit all mobile devices and tablets, allowing for seamless gameplay.

Drivers of Growth

• Gamification: Online casinos are integrating gamification elements such as levels, achievements, and social features that appeal to players, resulting in increased engagement and retention.

• Blockchain and cryptocurrency integration: At the end of 2021, there were 304 crypto casinos. Blockchain technology is being adopted to offer increased transparency, provably fair gaming, and the ability to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for gambling. In 2024, 60% of Bitcoin transactions are gambling-related, this figure is expected to grow in 2025.

• Virtual and Augmented Reality: VR technology is creating immersive online casino experiences, allowing players to interact with live dealers and players in real-time. VR casinos are already a reality, according to Technavio’s gambling report, the VR gambling market’s annual growth rate is expected to be 53.13% in 2025.

Digital Education

The digital education sector is experiencing substantial growth, driven by technological advancements, changing workforce needs, and the global shift towards remote learning. According to Allied Market Research, the global digital education market size was valued at $12.5 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $125.3 billion by 2031. The projected growth is further supported by HolonIQ, which forecasts that digital spending in education will reach $404 billion by 2025.

Drivers of Growth

• Remote work and skill development: Since the pandemic, the shift to remote work has impacted learning and skill development. Global Workplace Analytics found that remote workers are more likely to participate in online training programs that allow them to upskill themselves compared to traditional in-office work. This fact is supported by LinkedIn Learning, reporting a 50% increase in the consumption of learning content by remote employees.

• Changing workforce needs: Approximately 1 billion jobs globally will undergo massive changes due to technological advancements, with the changing needs of job markets demanding continuous learning and upskilling.

• AI-powered adaptive learning: AI is being used to create personalized learning experiences and by 2025, AI-powered adaptive learning technology will potentially be the main tools used in learning institutions. This potentially could result in tailoring lessons and content to individual student needs.

Digital Entertainment

Digital entertainment includes a wide range of content and services, such as streaming services, video gaming, and digital audio like podcasts, that are delivered through electronic devices. The global entertainment market size was calculated at $101,82 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by $114.83 billion by 2025. Specifically, the streaming market, including platforms like Netflix and Spotify, are key components of the digital entertainment market.

Technological Advancements

• Cloud gaming: Cloud gaming has made gaming more accessible to users, reaching 395.9 million users in 2024, and this number is expected to grow to 455.4 million in 2025. Cloud gaming allows users to stream high-quality games without the need for expensive gaming hardware.

• VR and AR: These technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into both gaming and streaming services, offering users immersive content.

• AI and ML: AI and machine learning technologies are currently being used to automate processes, personalize content, and by 2025, allow data-driven decision-making in the industry.

• 5G networks: The rollout of 5G networks is expected to enhance the streaming experience by providing faster and more reliable connectivity, especially beneficial for mobile gaming and high-definition content screening.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

The mobile segment is set to dominate the online entertainment market due to the change in how content is consumed. Diverse content formats including video content and audio content such as audiobooks and podcasts, are expected to grow. This growth is fueled by the rollout of 5G technology, access to smartphones, and content creators taking a mobile-first approach.

Wearable Technology

The wearable technology market experienced significant growth since the fitness tracker craze. The global wearable technology market is projected to be worth $170.91 billion in 2025 and grow by $265.4 billion in 2026. However, the expansion of wearable technology, offering different applications is seeing significant growth.

• Smartwatches are expected to reach 176.7 million units shipped in 2024.

• Earwear is expected to grow to 347.28 million units shipped by 2025.

• Smart clothing is expected to reach $350.97 units shipped by 2025.

• Smart rings and glasses, although a much smaller segment, are showing signs of growth.

Emerging Technology for 2025

• Health monitoring: Wearables are increasingly being used for the continuous monitoring of vital signs, the detection of heart conditions, and personalized health tracking. By 2025, more than 50% of wearables are expected to integrate AI for more precise health tracking and predictive health insights.

• Mental health and well-being: Wearables tracking stress levels, emotional health, and overall mental well-being are gaining significant traction. In 2023 alone, mental health wearables accounted for 15% of the overall wearables market.

• AR glasses: By 2025, AR wearables are predicted to make up at least 25% of the overall wearable market.

• Assistive technology: In 2025, wearable technology is expected to assist seniors and people living with disabilities to improve mobility and independence.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.