Why managing continuous uncertainty necessitates focusing on the present, the immediate future, and what comes next.

      As we enter the latter half of 2025, the global technology ecosystem is encountering a dynamic blend of uncertainty and potential. The funding landscape for emerging tech companies remains intricate, with Startup Genome noting that while the startup scenes in Beijing, Los Angeles, and Tokyo are experiencing year-over-year growth, Paris is stagnant, and much of the European tech ecosystem is declining. At the same time, the technology sector is continuously advancing at an accelerated rate. According to Deloitte's 2025 Tech Trends report, “optimizing and transforming technology is more crucial than ever as innovation propels further innovation.”

      This situation presents a challenge for large enterprises that find it difficult to lead in technology adoption while managing the repercussions of economic and geopolitical instability and evolving regulations. Simultaneously, startups are striving to create solutions for enterprise challenges in an environment characterized by below-average venture capital investments. Overall, the current atmosphere is rapid, complex, and baffling... yet it’s an exhilarating time to be involved in what is undeniably a historic juncture for the interplay between humanity and technology.

      During my discussions with industry leaders at The Next Web's 'Innovating at Scale' panel, I conveyed how this tumult has prompted a reevaluation of what it entails to operate and innovate at scale. In such a landscape, resilience goes beyond merely enduring crises; it's about adapting in real-time, making choices with incomplete information, and discovering opportunities amid volatility.

      Understanding the nature of volatility: our experience

      The year 2024 was harsh for many within the tech industry. The sector saw a rapid shift from pandemic-driven overhiring to a significant downturn, all while economic fragility strained even the most stable partnerships. Suppliers frequently faced delayed payments, abandoned purchase orders, and a rise in ‘ghosting,’ as organizations increasingly felt pressured to achieve more with fewer resources.

      However, in 2025, amidst the unpredictability, there is a noticeable sense of revival. A resurgence in investment aimed at growth has emerged, evident in a rise in marketing and communications requests as businesses recalibrate for a reality in which resilience, agility, and purpose are essential for survival.

      This bodes well for the tech industry and particularly for Clarity, a digital marketing and communications agency focused on technology. Yet, we're not out of the difficult times just yet. As I highlighted during my panel at The Next Web Conference, it is essential for us all to anticipate future moves proactively.

      Insights from the ‘Innovation Under Pressure’ panel that I hosted at The Next Web Conference 2025

      At The Next Web, I had the honor of moderating a panel with leaders from pioneering organizations in global innovation: 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 Healthcare Informatics at Philips; and Seth Dobrin, Co-Founding General Partner, 1Infinity Ventures. Their insights highlighted a shared reality that many in the business sphere have come to recognize: innovation at scale is now a necessity rather than a luxury.

      Several key themes were identified:

      1. Regulatory knowledge is now essential for business success: For tech companies to thrive, legal, privacy, and cybersecurity considerations must be integrated into the innovation process. Regulatory shifts and policy discussions should be prioritized as they signal the need for adaptive solutions that are resilient across borders and business models.

      2. Collaboration drives advancement: From Ferrari’s open innovation model, which evaluates numerous startups for their potential to provide next-gen solutions, to Philips’ partnerships focused on addressing real-world challenges, the consensus is clear: innovation flourishes within ecosystems, not isolated environments. The most transformative concepts address genuine challenges and are developed in partnership with stakeholders, suppliers, and, crucially, customers.

      3. Organizational culture is vital: The panel reached a consensus that innovation must be ingrained in the core of the business, not relegated to a separate team. This necessitates fostering a culture where experimentation is welcomed, failures are reframed as learning opportunities, and agility is valued more than perfection. Panelists noted that an overemphasis on perfection could hinder the European tech ecosystem's competitiveness against the U.S. and key APAC markets. As Shez Partovi from Philips stated, “…if you don’t frequently reconsider your views, you might be mistaken often.”

      Looking ahead: Cultivating resilience for whatever comes next

      So, how can organizations not only endure but flourish in this ever-changing landscape? At Clarity, we encourage our clients to adopt a “Now, Near, Next” mindset, aligning immediate actions with long-term objectives, driven by data, agility, and continuous adaptation.

      The ‘Now’ focuses on managing risks and safeguarding reputation today. In a world of constant scrutiny, every organization is just one misstep away from a crisis. Establishing clear, consistent communication and engaging stakeholders effectively are foundational to building trust.