At the Atlantic Convergence in Lisbon earlier this year, where I had the privilege of attending on a special invitation from Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, the conversation revolved around the profound shifts expected by 2025. These discussions, led by DE-CIX’s leadership, painted a compelling vision of the future, one where connectivity powers everything from autonomous vehicles to lunar mining operations.

DE-CIX, the world’s leading Internet exchange operator, celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, and its predictions for the future are as ambitious as they are thought-provoking. Here are the highlights of what lies ahead.

AI is set to drive global economies like never before. By 2025, networks will need to be as smart and dynamic as the AI systems they support. With the rollout of 5G Advanced and the promise of 6G, connectivity will become faster and more intelligent, enabling seamless data flows, and supporting AI’s growing role in optimizing everything from network management to fraud detection. As businesses increasingly rely on AI to streamline operations and generate value, these intelligent networks will become the backbone of the global economy.

Beyond Earth, connectivity is expanding into space. The Internet space race is accelerating, with low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites set to provide global, high-speed connectivity. These advancements will bridge digital divides, offering Internet access to underserved regions and enabling innovation in the most remote corners of the planet. At the same time, the burgeoning space economy, valued at $1.3 trillion by 2035, will depend on robust interconnection technologies for activities like lunar mining and space-based computing.

On our roads, self-driving cars are transitioning from concept to reality. By 2025, autonomous vehicles equipped with level 4 systems will operate more widely, thanks to advances in AI-powered networks. These vehicles will rely on a combination of mobile and satellite connectivity to navigate safely and efficiently, transforming transportation and logistics.

In homes and factories, humanoid robots will make another leap forward. Enhanced by generative AI, these robots will not only perform tasks but also learn, adapt, and share skills through cloud-based systems. Their arrival will redefine the workforce, creating a hybrid landscape where humans and machines collaborate.

Finally, the way we train AI is evolving. Decentralized computing will replace massive data centers, with technologies like Ultra Ethernet enabling distributed AI training across metropolitan areas. This shift will alleviate energy and space constraints while making AI more accessible and sustainable.

Connectivity remains the cornerstone of these innovations. As DE-CIX’s Ivo Ivanov and Dr. Thomas King emphasize, without seamless interconnection, these technological leaps would be impossible. As Portugal and the world prepare for this future, the possibilities seem endless, a testament to human ingenuity and our drive to connect, explore, and innovate.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes