In the mid-1990s, a surge in computer hardware production and demand for related services — often dubbed ‘the ICT revolution’ — was one of the main contributors to a productivity jump in Europe, and even more so in the U.S.
Europe is now on the cusp of the next major productivity boost. It will be driven by next-generation connectivity — namely 5GSA — and the digital transformation it enables for businesses.
In manufacturing, where Europe is already a leader, the potential impact of digitalization globally is estimated to reach up to $2 trillion each year. Just as 4G unlocked the mobile internet for consumers, 5GSA will unlock the industrial internet, transforming machine-to-machine communication and enabling the industrial internet of things to progress from fantasy to reality.
While larger manufacturers are likely to continue building mobile private 5G networks and bespoke in-factory solutions, smaller businesses will need to rely on publicly available 5GSA to access similar opportunities for innovation.
For farmers and rural citizens, next-generation connectivity will have a crucial role to play in improving crop yields, supporting sustainability, and increasing opportunities for remote or flexible working in jobs traditionally limited to those living in cities.
For health care, connectivity can deliver immediate returns for patients through telemedicine and remote services, while enabling newer applications — like 5G AR training for new cardiologists — to be offered at scale.
