Login to Continue Learning
As we approach the second half of 2025, the global tech ecosystem faces a complex mix of unpredictability and promise. Funding for newer tech firms remains challenging, with Startup Genome reporting that while the Beijing, Los Angeles, and Tokyo startup landscapes are experiencing year-over-year growth, Paris has stagnated and much of Europe is in decline. Meanwhile, technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace, as Deloitte’s 2025 Tech Trends report underscores: “technology optimization and transformation have never been more critical due to ongoing innovation.”
This creates a landscape where large enterprises struggle to keep up with technological advancements while dealing with economic and geopolitical uncertainty and shifting regulations. Startups, on the other hand, are working hard to develop solutions for enterprise problems in an ecosystem with lower-than-usual venture capital investment. The overall environment is fast-paced, complicated, and confusing—but also exciting as it marks a historic moment for the world’s relationship with technology.
As I shared at The Next Web’s “Innovating at Scale” panel, this turbulence has forced a reevaluation of what it means to operate and innovate at scale. Resilience isn’t just about enduring storms; it’s about evolving in real time, making decisions with imperfect information, and finding opportunities in volatility.
The Reality of Volatility: Our Experience
2024 was tough for many in the technology sector. The industry oscillated between pandemic-fueled overhiring and a sharp correction, all while economic fragility strained even the strongest partnerships. Delayed payments, vanished purchase orders, and an increase in “ghosting” became common among suppliers as organizations were increasingly pressured to deliver more with fewer resources.
Yet by 2025, despite ongoing unpredictability, there is a sense of renewal. We’re seeing renewed growth-focused investment, which has translated into increased marketing and communications briefs for businesses recalibrating for a world where resilience, agility, and purpose are central to survival. This is good news for the technology sector and great news for Clarity, as a technology-focused digital marketing and communications agency.
However, we’re not out of the woods yet. As discussed at The Next Web Conference, all players must anticipate multiple moves ahead to thrive in this environment.
Lessons from Innovation Under Pressure: A Panel at The Next Web Conference 2025
At The Next Web, I hosted a panel with leaders from global innovation organizations: Monika Tomczak-Górlikowska (Group Head of Privacy, Digital & Regulatory at Prosus Group), Ernesto Lasalandra (Chief Research & Development Officer at Ferrari), Shez Partovi (Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Business Leader in Healthcare Informatics, Philips), and Seth Dobrin (Co-Founding General Partner, 1Infinity Ventures). Their experiences highlighted that innovation at scale is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Key themes included:
1. Regulation as a core business competency: Legal, privacy, and cybersecurity voices must be embedded in the innovation process.
2. Partnership as the engine of progress: Collaboration with partners, suppliers, and customers drives transformative ideas.
3. Culture as critical: Innovation must be woven into the fabric of the business, encouraging experimentation and agility.
Now, Near, Next: Building Resilience for Whatever Comes Next
How can businesses not only survive but thrive in this change-centric environment? At Clarity, we guide clients to adopt a “Now, Near, Next” mindset.
The ‘Now’ focuses on managing risk and protecting reputation today through clear, consistent communications and robust stakeholder engagement.
‘Near’ centers on sustaining innovation and growth by investing in partnerships, nurturing talent, and building the capacity to pivot when disruption strikes. Businesses must constantly ask: what changes do we need in the next 12 months to stay relevant?
Finally, ‘Next’ is about future-proofing by embedding purpose, ethics, and sustainability into strategy.
Influence the World, Impact the Future
Taking a “Now, Near, Next” approach is not just a communications and marketing strategy; it’s a business imperative. By embracing regulatory complexity, forging purposeful partnerships, and building a culture of constant learning, businesses can navigate uncertainty and define their future with confidence. Because in a world of relentless change, Clarity isn’t just what we offer our clients—it’s what every business needs to move forward with confidence.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
According to the passage, which region has experienced stagnation or decline in its startup landscape as of early 2025?
Please login or register to take the quiz and earn points!
