There is no doubt we are living during a revolutionary time. What once felt like a futuristic, abstract concept is now embedding itself in our daily lives. It is here, evolving rapidly, and changing the way we work, communicate, and make decisions. AI is no longer a futuristic notion – it’s an expectation. Customers anticipate smarter interactions, employees rely on automation for efficiency, and business owners look to AI for better insights and decision-making.
While some industries have embraced automation and machine learning for years, 2025 will mark a turning point where AI becomes less about hype and more about tangible business impact.
So, what can we expect in 2025? The AI conversation will move beyond excitement over new tools and toward a deeper focus on practical implementation, workforce training, and the regulatory landscape. Here’s what’s coming:
What sort of developments can we expect in 2025?
AI will become increasingly interwoven passively into our conversations and experiences. It will become so seamlessly integrated into our lives we won’t think twice about its presence.
Trend to tool – practicality over flashiness
For businesses, the focus will be on a shift from AI’s flashiness to its outcomes (from trend to tool) – how will this improve customer service / streamline workflows and reduce costs? The question for business owners isn’t just ‘Does this save money?’ but also ‘Does this help me live and work better?’ AI’s true value lies in its ability to do both.
Training is the key
Business owners should identify where AI can streamline operations and drive the biggest gains. Following the decision about which tools will best serve your needs, as opposed to what is in trend, businesses need to invest in training to ensure successful implementation. Keeping up with technology and operating competently is essential if you want to remain competitive. Identifying a reputable and skilled educator is the next step. Is this an area of ai that is next to boom? We’ve seen the rise of prompt engineers—will AI consultants be the next must-have service in 2025?
Regulating AI
As with any major technological shift regulations are soon to follow. The NZ Government has agreed to a light-touch approach, for now, to support the uptake of the technology with no AI specific legislation. In 2025, we can expect AI regulations to address critical issues like bias, disinformation, copyright infringement, and job displacement. Transparency in AI use will be prioritised such as disclosing AI generated content and customer interactions.
In a nutshell – we predict the trend for 2025 will not be the tech itself but the education and examining of how it will work for you as well as the governance and regulations of its use.
To discuss how automation and tech may enhance your business get in touch with us at Engine Room.
