Economic activity in 2025 will be stimulated by the regular lowering of interest rates by both the ECB and the FED, in Europe and the USA respectively. I believe that next year will have better prospects for increased investment and production by companies, and consumption by people of goods and services.

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ICT will thus play a favorable role in the equation, stimulating the differentiation of companies through innovation and technology development in consumer societies where digital is increasingly part of their lives. A forecast by Crédito Y Caución, a credit and export insurance company, indicates that the ICT sector will grow by 6.3% in 2025. These are scenarios we work with, but always with a certain amount of caution. Even the most optimistic manager knows that there are open conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East which challenge the evolution of the world economy. Over the last decade, Portugal has established itself as a center of excellence for global companies that require ICT services.

From my experience in development, identifying new opportunities, R&D, management and training professionals, I believe there is a way for growth to continue in the macroeconomic scenario I have listed. There are opportunities in sight that we need to be aware of, namely the transversality of digitalization and automation services in industries that until a few years ago were only attributed to Engineering and Mechanics. The automotive sector is the best known. As a very dynamic sector, ICT is at the forefront of ways of organizing work that can reconcile efficiency and well-being.

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The hybrid work model will continue to evolve, and training and attracting new professionals to the sector will also be on the agenda in 2025.