Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/wireless-cellphone-rfid-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends in the Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry
2. Introduction to the Wireless Industry
3. 5G Wireless Networks Rollout Worldwide, Enabling the Internet of Things (IoT)/Massive Investments Required
4. Wi-Fi Enables Wireless Traffic Growth, Including the Internet of Things (IoT)
5. Wireless Service Subscriptions Worldwide Reach 9.1 Billion
6. RFID Drives Inventory Management Evolution
7. Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring Rely on Wireless
8. Wireless Information Systems Surge Ahead in Vehicles: Telematics, Intelligent Transportation (ITS) and Real Time Traffic Information
9. In Emerging Nations, mChek and M-PESA Enable Remote Banking via Smartphone
10. Digital Wallets Gain Payments Market Share
11. Location-Based Services (LBS) Enhance Smartphones and Mobile Advertising
12. Global Mobile In-App Revenues Hit $150 Billion Yearly
13. The Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M to Boom, Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Open New Avenues for Hacking
14. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Dramatically Changes Smartphone Use
15. Carriers Offer Unlimited Access Plans for Smartphones/Face Intense Subscription Price Competition
16. Voice, Face & Image Recognition Change the Wireless World, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Added to Smartphones
17. Wearable Sensors Track Exercise Data/Apparel and Shoe Manufacturers Adopt Technologies
18. Smaller Satellites (SmallSats and CubeSats) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Revolutionize Telecommunications
19. LEO Satellites Enable Emergency Communications Via Smartphones
20. Smart Cities Utilize Sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Create Privacy and Security Issues
21. Overview of the Mobile Apps Industry
22. The Future of Smartphones, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Wireless Services Industry

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry Statistics

1. Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Global Digital, Network, Computer and Telecom Industry–Key Statistics and Market Size Overview
3. Internet Access Technologies Compared
4. Wireless Standards & Speeds
5. Number of Business & Residential High Speed Internet Lines, U.S.; 2021-2025
6. Top Mobile Operators by Number of Subscribers, Worldwide
7. Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite): Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2019-2022
8. Satellite Telecommunications: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2019-2022
9. Wireless Telecommunications Industry (except Satellite) Employment, U.S.: 2016-May 2025
10. Research Funding for Computer and Information Science Engineering, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2024-2026

8.8.25

The sports and recreation industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer expectations, and global market forces. Once centered around traditional sports leagues and physical participation, the industry now spans digital entertainment, wearable technology, eSports, and immersive fan experiences.

With global revenues approaching $1.8 trillion and the U.S. market alone nearing $636 billion, sports and recreation are among the world’s largest and most influential industries. This sector touches everything from major media deals and fashion trends to public health and tourism. In this post, we explore the most impactful trends reshaping the sports and recreation landscape in 2025 and beyond.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Sports Industry Center!

Plunkett’s Sports & Recreation Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Technology is Revolutionizing Sports Performance and Participation

The integration of technology into sports and recreation is perhaps the most far-reaching trend. From professional training facilities to neighborhood gyms, technology is enhancing performance, injury prevention, and fan engagement.

• Wearables and Smart Equipment: Athletes at all levels now use smartwatches, GPS-enabled fitness trackers, and AI-enhanced gear to monitor vital stats and improve performance. Major brands like Nike and Adidas have introduced smart shoes and apparel with embedded sensors that track movement, form, and even biometrics in real-time.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): VR training simulators allow athletes to rehearse plays and improve reaction time without physical exertion. Meanwhile, AR is used in broadcasting to enhance fan viewing experiences with real-time stats and player insights. For recreational users, VR apps like Supernatural or FitXR bring immersive workouts into living rooms.
• AI and Analytics in Coaching: AI is being deployed to analyze player performance and strategy, providing insights that were once the domain of elite coaches. In youth sports, this tech is now accessible via smartphone apps, democratizing advanced training.

2. Streaming and Digital Media Disrupting Traditional Broadcasting

How fans consume sports has fundamentally changed. Gone are the days of relying solely on cable or satellite TV.

• Streaming Giants Enter the Arena: Services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Apple TV+, and ESPN+ have secured lucrative broadcasting rights. Amazon, for instance, now exclusively streams Thursday Night Football, a deal worth $1.32 billion annually. These platforms offer more flexible, on-demand viewing, catering to younger, mobile-first audiences.
• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Platforms: Sports organizations are increasingly launching their own platforms to control content, gather user data, and offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The NBA, NFL, and UFC all operate robust DTC services.
• Second-Screen Engagement: Fans are no longer passive viewers. They’re engaging with games in real time via social media, fantasy leagues, and betting platforms. This interactivity is creating new monetization channels and deeper loyalty.

3. eSports and Fantasy Sports Expand the Definition of Athletics

Once considered niche, eSports and fantasy sports are now mainstream.

• Explosive Growth in eSports: With over 600 million global viewers, eSports has become a cultural force. Tournaments pack stadiums, and professional teams receive corporate sponsorships on par with traditional sports. Titles like League of Legends, Fortnite, and Call of Duty are watched like the Super Bowl by Gen Z audiences.
• Fantasy Sports and Daily Fantasy: Roughly 63 million people in the U.S. and Canada play fantasy sports, often spending hours analyzing player data and stats. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel have transformed this pastime into a business powerhouse.

This expansion into digital gaming reflects a broader trend: younger generations view competitive gaming as legitimate entertainment and a career path.

4. Aging Populations are Driving Growth in Recreational Activities

As Baby Boomers retire, they are prioritizing health, wellness, and active living—creating new opportunities in the recreation space.

• Senior-Oriented Fitness and Travel: There’s a surge in demand for low-impact fitness classes, hiking trips, wellness retreats, and guided tours designed for older adults. Brands are offering senior-friendly equipment, while resorts and cruise lines now cater to this health-conscious demographic.
• Pickleball’s Rise: One standout example is the meteoric rise of pickleball, a hybrid of tennis and ping pong. It appeals across age groups but especially resonates with Boomers due to its low barrier to entry, social nature, and fun pace.

This demographic shift is prompting businesses to rethink programming, facility design, and marketing strategies.

5. Legal Sports Betting Creating a New Revenue Powerhouse

The 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize sports betting opened the floodgates. Today, betting is legal in more than 30 U.S. states, with billions of dollars wagered annually.

• Mobile Betting Dominates: Fans can now place bets from their smartphones, often integrated into live broadcasts. This has made sports viewing more engaging while opening up new revenue streams for leagues and media outlets.
• Corporate Involvement: Partnerships between sportsbooks (like FanDuel and DraftKings) and sports leagues are now common. In many cases, these deals include co-branded content, exclusive odds, and even in-arena betting lounges.

As betting becomes normalized, expect greater integration with mainstream sports media and continued innovation in predictive analytics and gamification.

6. Diversity, Equity, and Globalization Fueling Growth

Efforts to diversify sports both demographically and geographically are paying off.

• Rising Investment in Women’s Sports: Leagues like the WNBA and NWSL are securing record-breaking sponsorships, viewership, and media deals. Athletes such as Caitlin Clark and Naomi Osaka are not only stars on the field—they’re brand powerhouses.
• Global Expansion of U.S. Leagues: The NBA and NFL are actively hosting games in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The English Premier League (EPL), meanwhile, continues to grow its American fan base. These efforts are diversifying the revenue base and cultivating new generations of fans.
• Representation Matters: There’s increasing focus on inclusivity in coaching, ownership, and broadcasting. Diverse role models are helping young athletes see themselves in sports they may not have previously considered.

7. Experiential Recreation and Fitness as Lifestyle

Consumers are seeking experiences that combine fitness, socialization, and lifestyle in fun, creative ways.

• Hybrid Recreation Models: Businesses like Topgolf, indoor rock climbing gyms, and axe-throwing bars are blending recreation with entertainment and food service. These hybrid venues are booming, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.
• Boutique Fitness and Wellness: Yoga studios, cycling boutiques, and HIIT classes continue to expand. More than just a workout, they’re social hubs and lifestyle statements.
• Fitness Tourism: The rise of “sweat vacations” and adventure travel means people are planning trips around marathons, retreats, and mountain biking excursions.

The lines between sports, wellness, and recreation are blurring—and that presents new opportunities across apparel, hospitality, and tech.

8. A Dynamic Future

The sports and recreation industry is no longer just about athleticism—it’s about technology, media, lifestyle, and inclusivity. As innovation accelerates and global audiences grow, organizations that adapt to these trends will thrive.

From billion-dollar streaming deals and AI-powered coaching apps to VR workouts and global eSports arenas, the sector is entering a new era. For investors, entrepreneurs, and fans alike, it’s a thrilling time to be part of the game.

Key Concepts: Football, business, baseball, basketball, hockey, economics, recreation, entrepreneurship, finance, exercise, globalization, golf, soccer, innovation, investing, marketing, sports, video games

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Sports & Recreation Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/sports-recreation-leisure-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Sports & Recreation Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Sports & Recreation Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Sports & Recreation Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Sports & Recreation Industry
2. Introduction to the Sports & Recreation Industry
3. NFL (National Football League): The Biggest Money in U.S. Sports
4. Broadcasting Fees, Digital Access and Investment Savvy Boost MLB (Major League Baseball)
5. NBA (National Basketball Association) Goes Global/WNBA Surges in Popularity
6. NHL (National Hockey League) Covers the U.S. & Canada
7. Television Rights/Streaming Contracts Bring in Lucrative Revenues for Major Sports Leagues
8. Soccer (Football) Leagues Around the World Reap Significant Revenues and Sponsorships
9. New Sports Stadiums Launched in the U.S./Stadium Sponsorships Offset Costs
10. NCAA College Sports Are Immense Revenue Generators, Thanks to Broadcast Rights
11. Student Athletes Eligible for Endorsement Fees/ Fight for Compensation and Benefits
12. Golf Is a Major Sports Sector/PGA (Professional Golf Association) LIV Merger Delayed
13. Tennis Is a Massive Global Sport for Professionals and Amateurs Alike
14. Fantasy Sports Post Growth, with 63 Million Players
15. eSports: Electronic Games Become Spectator Sports
16. Sports Betting Gains Traction with Online Betting
17. Sports Equipment Manufacturers Offer the Latest High-Tech Advantages
18. Wearable Sensors Track Exercise Data/Apparel and Shoe Manufacturers Adopt Technologies
19. Sports Agents Are Indispensable/Sports Marketing Booms in China
20. Sports Licensing Heats Up
21. Video Game Console History/New Technologies and Features Boost Console Sales
22. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality and 3-D Games Create Opportunities in the Tech Industry/Immersion Games to Grow
23. Aging Baby Boomers Will Cause Significant Changes in the Leisure Sector, Including Sports and Activity-Based Travel
24. Athletic Footwear Sales Boom, Drawing Big Names from Athletes to Designers
25. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere
26. 3-D Printing and Robotics Revolutionize Manufacture of Shoes and Fabrics
27. Exercise Apparel Sales Rise/Athleisure Clothing Sales Remain Strong
28. Sports Equipment and Social Media Converge
29. The Future of the Sports Industry Will Be Shaped by Technologies and Demographics

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Sports & Recreation Industry Statistics

1. Sports & Recreation Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Global Sports Industry Revenues, 2022-2024
3. Selected U.S. Sports Industry Revenues: 2016-2022
4. Sports Industry, Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
5. U.S. Spectator Sports, Performing Arts & Related Industries, Breakdown of Expenses: 2020-2022
6. Estimated Monthly Sporting Goods Stores Retail Sales, U.S.: 1992-April 2025
7. Overview of the Media Contracts of the Four Big Sports Leagues
8. Sports Industry Employment by Business Type, U.S.: 2020-2024

8.4.25

As we push deeper into 2025 and look forward to 2026, the once-separate worlds of games, mobile apps, and social media are fusing into a vibrant, tech-driven ecosystem. This “GASM” trifecta—Games, Apps, and Social Media—now shapes how we play, communicate, shop, and work. From artificial intelligence and immersive technologies to new business models and regulatory scrutiny, these interconnected industries are being reshaped at a pace unmatched in previous decades.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Games Industry Center!

Plunkett’s Games, Apps & Social Media  Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. AI: The Central Force Behind Innovation

Artificial intelligence is no longer a behind-the-scenes utility—it’s now a front-and-center enabler of smarter, more personalized digital experiences across all three sectors.

In gaming, AI powers intelligent NPCs, procedurally generated environments, and dynamic storytelling. Titles like No Man’s Sky, featuring a universe of 18 quintillion planets, highlight the potential of AI-driven world-building. Studios are also leveraging machine learning for adaptive difficulty levels, enhancing player engagement.

In the app world, AI is revolutionizing everything from healthcare to customer service. Tools like Intercom’s Fin and Grammarly use natural language processing to offer real-time, context-aware assistance. Productivity, writing, fitness, and even therapy apps now feature conversational AI assistants that feel increasingly human.

On social media, AI filters out billions of spam messages and harmful content daily while powering personalized feeds on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Recommendation engines learn user behavior to drive engagement and ad revenues. Deep learning also underpins voice synthesis, deepfakes, and real-time translation—dramatically broadening the scope of global communication.

2. Mobile Gaming and Cloud Play Redefine Access

Gaming has become predominantly mobile, with revenues from mobile games reaching an estimated $100.3 billion in 2024—more than PC and console gaming combined. Casual titles dominate, but AAA-quality mobile games are rising due to advancements in mobile processors and cloud streaming.

Cloud gaming, in particular, is democratizing access. Services like Xbox’s xCloud, Nvidia GeForce NOW, and Facebook Gaming allow users to play high-performance titles without dedicated hardware, streaming gameplay directly to their devices. The rise of 5G and edge computing further reduces latency and improves the cloud gaming experience.

Freemium models—where games are free but include in-app purchases—remain dominant. Successful titles such as Genshin Impact and Fortnite earn billions through microtransactions, while ad-supported models provide an entry point for developers and players alike.

3. Social Media Becomes the New Shopping Mall

Social media is now a dominant force in e-commerce. Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are investing heavily in shoppable content, enabling users to buy directly from influencer videos or brand posts without ever leaving the platform. This shift turns entertainment into a seamless shopping experience.

TikTok, in particular, is reshaping retail. Its algorithm-driven discovery engine excels at surfacing trending products—giving rise to the viral phenomenon “TikTok made me buy it.” With native checkout and payment integration, TikTok is poised to challenge traditional retail players and even platforms like Amazon.

Facebook and Instagram’s Shops feature, along with Pinterest’s visual search tools, are closing the loop between inspiration and transaction. As users blend content consumption with commerce, the boundaries between media and retail continue to dissolve.

4. Streaming, Cord Cutting, and Creator Economies

Streaming services have eclipsed traditional broadcast and cable TV, driven by changing consumer preferences, cost-consciousness, and mobile-first lifestyles. YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and newer entrants like Paramount+ are all adapting to increasingly fragmented attention spans and on-demand expectations.

Cord-cutting remains a massive trend, especially among younger audiences. In the U.S., traditional pay-TV subscribers have dropped by nearly 50% over the past decade. Meanwhile, streaming platforms continue to invest in original content and exclusive releases to secure audience loyalty.

Simultaneously, social media and apps have empowered a new wave of independent creators. Platforms like Patreon, Substack, TikTok, and Twitch allow creators to monetize content directly through subscriptions, tips, and merchandise sales. This decentralized model gives individuals more control over their content and careers, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.

5. Immersive Technologies Take Center Stage

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are gaining traction as both consumer entertainment tools and enterprise solutions. Devices like Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro are elevating immersive computing to new levels.

In gaming, VR continues to grow steadily, with titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx drawing loyal followings. Meanwhile, AR applications such as Pokémon GO and Snapchat filters demonstrate how real-world overlays can captivate massive audiences.

Enterprise adoption of immersive tech is also surging. Companies use VR for corporate training, virtual collaboration, design visualization, and even remote healthcare. Fitness apps, interior design tools, and medical education platforms are incorporating AR to deliver real-time, hands-on guidance.

The metaverse—a persistent, 3D digital world—remains a buzzword, but mainstream adoption has slowed due to hardware costs, unclear utility, and user base fragmentation. However, developers and investors remain optimistic, particularly for niche applications in gaming, socializing, and commerce.

6. Fantasy Sports and eSports Hit the Big Leagues

Fantasy sports and eSports have evolved from niche hobbies to billion-dollar industries.

In North America, over 63 million people now play fantasy sports, primarily centered on football, basketball, and baseball. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel offer real-money leagues, daily contests, and betting integrations—blending gaming, sports, and financial risk.

eSports, meanwhile, is watched by more than 640 million fans globally. Professional tournaments for games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Counter-Strike draw stadium-sized crowds and multi-million-dollar sponsorships. Universities are even offering scholarships to elite players, and broadcasters now cover eSports alongside traditional sports.

This rise aligns with the gamification of entertainment—where play, competition, and audience interaction coexist in increasingly creative ways.

7. Privacy, Regulation, and Ethical Tech

As tech companies amass enormous amounts of user data, governments around the world are stepping in to enforce stricter regulations.

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act aim to increase transparency, protect consumers, and rein in Big Tech monopolies. In the U.S., antitrust lawsuits against Amazon, Meta, and Google are gaining momentum, while data privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) demand accountability.

In parallel, content moderation and algorithmic transparency are under scrutiny. Platforms face mounting pressure to combat misinformation, harmful content, and algorithmic bias. AI ethics, data portability, and child safety are now essential conversations in tech boardrooms.

For businesses, navigating this new regulatory landscape requires compliance, transparency, and consumer trust as competitive advantages.

8. The Future

The convergence of games, apps, and social media is ushering in a new digital era—one defined by personalization, immersion, mobility, and decentralization. AI will continue to be the driving engine behind much of this transformation, but its success will depend on responsible implementation and robust oversight. As GASM sectors evolve, businesses that can anticipate user expectations, adapt to technological shifts, and respect emerging social norms will lead the next wave of digital growth.

Key Concepts: Electronic games, online games, multiplayer games, games, apps, mobile apps, social media, game machines, gaming, cellphone, location based, GPS, virtual reality, 3D, three dimensional, augmented reality, software, hardware, artificial intelligence (AI)

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/video-games-mobile-apps-social-media-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry
2. Introduction to the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry
3. Overview of the Electronic Games Industry
4. Overview of the Mobile Apps Industry
5. Overview of the Social Media Industry/TikTok Soars to 170 Million U.S. Users, Faces Ownership Legislation
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Rocks the Games, Apps & Social Media Industry
7. Social Media Rakes in Global Online and Mobile Ad Revenues
8. Streaming Apps Take Over TVs, Leading to Cord Cutting/Subscription Losses for Cable and Satellite
9. Video Game Console History/New Technologies and Features Boost Console Sales
10. Online (Cloud Gaming) & Mobile Games Compete with Consoles
11. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality and 3-D Technologies Create Opportunities for the Tech Industry/Immersion Games to Grow
12. The Metaverse Has Difficulties Gaining Steam
13. Fantasy Sports Post Growth, with 63 Million Players
14. eSports: Electronic Games Become Spectator Sports
15. Virtual Worlds Provide Revenue for Games Publishers
16. Global Mobile Apps Revenues Hit $150 Billion Yearly
17. Embedded LTE Wi-Fi and Onboard Apps Incorporated by Auto Makers in New Car Infotainment Systems
18. Gamification:  Games Technology Boosts Education and Training
19. Sports Equipment and Social Media Converge
20. Digital Assistants Include Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home/Alexa and Similar Software Power Third-Party Developers
21. Regulatory Environment Is Challenging for Online Businesses & Social Media
22. The Future of Games, Apps & Social Media

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Games, Apps & Social Media Industry Statistics

1. Games, Apps & Social Media Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Global Digital, Network, Computer & Telecom Industries—Key Statistics & Market Size Overview
3. Internet Usage Demographics, U.S.: 2024
4. Use of Different Online Platforms: 2024
5. Social Media Usage Demographics, U.S.: 2024
6. Home Broadband Adoption Demographics, U.S.: 2024
7. Smartphone Adoption Demographics, U.S.:  2024
8. Number of Business & Residential High Speed Internet Lines, U.S.: 2021-2026
9. Software Publishing Industry, U.S.: Estimated Revenue & Inventories: 2017-2022
10. Software Publishing Industry, U.S.: Estimated Selected Expenses: 2017-2022
11. Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite): Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2019-2022
12. Internet Publishing & Broadcasting & Web Search Portals: Estimated Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
13. Estimated U.S. Information & Entertainment Sector Revenues by NAICS Code: 2017 – 2022
14. Internet Access Technologies Compared

7.23.25

The financial services sector has entered an era of radical transformation. Technology is not only optimizing how banks and institutions operate, it’s redefining the core of financial access, investment, payments, and wealth management. In 2025, fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital payment ecosystems are converging at an unprecedented pace, propelled by artificial intelligence, mobile-first experiences, decentralized finance (DeFi), and real-time infrastructure.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our FinTech Industry Center.

Plunkett’s FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Fintech’s Continued Expansion and Integration into Everyday Life

Fintech has evolved from a niche startup sector into a global economic driver. Platforms like Nubank in Brazil, Square in the U.S., and Paytm in India demonstrate how digital finance is becoming mainstream, particularly in emerging economies.

Key Trends in Fintech:

• All-in-One Financial Platforms: The rise of super apps is consolidating services like payments, investing, loans, insurance, and even e-commerce into unified mobile platforms. WeChat, Grab, and Revolut lead this charge.
• Embedded Finance: Non-financial companies—like retailers, rideshare services, and software vendors—are integrating banking services directly into their platforms. Walmart and Shopify are prime examples of offering financial services like savings accounts, loans, and payments.
• AI & Personalization: Fintech firms are deploying AI to power hyper-personalized financial services. From robo-advisors to automated credit underwriting, machine learning is reshaping how products are delivered and how risks are assessed.
• Digital-Only Banks: Challenger banks or “neobanks” are scaling globally with low overhead and high customer satisfaction. Chime, Monzo, and N26 are redefining banking for millennials and Gen Z.

As these services become more accessible, consumers now expect frictionless, real-time, and low-cost financial services as the default—not the exception.

2. Cryptocurrency: Institutionalization, Regulation, and Utility Growth

Cryptocurrencies have matured from a speculative asset class into a globally recognized component of the financial landscape. However, 2025 is a defining year as the crypto ecosystem confronts regulatory scrutiny, infrastructure demands, and a pivot toward utility-based innovation.

Major Developments:

• Mainstream Financial Products: The SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 catalyzed institutional adoption. Major firms like BlackRock and Fidelity now offer crypto investment products for retail and high-net-worth clients alike.
• Rise of Stablecoins: Unlike volatile tokens like Bitcoin or Ether, stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies (such as USDC or Tether) are gaining traction as mediums of exchange. Visa and PayPal have integrated stablecoins into their settlement networks, increasing crypto’s use in everyday payments.
• Government Regulation & CBDCs: Following scandals like the FTX collapse and Terra’s failure, regulators worldwide are actively shaping crypto’s future. The U.S. Congress is crafting stablecoin regulation, while countries like China, Nigeria, and the EU are piloting Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). These government-issued digital currencies offer secure, programmable alternatives to private cryptos.
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi continues to disrupt traditional financial intermediaries. Services like Uniswap, Aave, and Compound allow users to lend, borrow, and trade assets without centralized control. However, lack of regulation and scalability issues pose risks that still need to be addressed.

Cryptocurrency’s role is shifting—from an asset class to a payment method, and eventually, to a fundamental pillar of programmable, decentralized global finance.

3. Digital & Mobile Payments Go Borderless and Instant

Global consumer preferences are shifting from cash and cards to mobile-first, contactless payments. Whether it’s QR code scanning in Asia or tapping phones in Europe and the U.S., the digital payments industry is now more universal, faster, and safer than ever.

Leading Payment Trends:

• Digital Wallets: Tools like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App, and Venmo are now default payment options in many regions. They support P2P transfers, bill payments, loyalty programs, and even crypto transactions.
• Real-Time Payment Networks: New infrastructure is redefining how quickly money moves. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s FedNow system allows instant clearing and settlement. In India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) handles billions of monthly transactions.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Short-term, interest-free installment lending is now a standard checkout option. Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay gained traction fast—but rising consumer defaults and Apple’s recent withdrawal from its BNPL program highlight long-term sustainability concerns.
• Cross-Border & Remittance Innovation: Startups like Wise, Remitly, and Revolut are offering low-cost international money transfers using real-time exchange rates and bypassing traditional wire systems. Meanwhile, blockchain-based networks like Ripple and Stellar are testing high-volume international settlements.

This landscape shift is making commerce more inclusive for billions and transforming how businesses manage revenue and liquidity.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Automation Across Financial Services

AI is the silent engine behind most of fintech’s success. From back-office automation to customer service chatbots and fraud prevention, AI is reshaping financial operations from the ground up.

Notable AI Applications:

• Robo-Advisors: Digital investment platforms like Betterment, SoFi, and Wealthfront use AI to manage portfolios based on user goals and market trends—making investing more accessible to the masses.
• Fraud Detection: Behavioral AI models can flag abnormal activity in real-time, reducing fraud risk and improving security for consumers and merchants alike.
• Credit Risk & Lending: Alternative credit scoring using AI-driven models allows financial institutions to approve loans for people without traditional credit histories, unlocking access for underbanked populations.
• Customer Service Automation: Banks like Bank of America (via Erica) and Capital One (via Eno) are replacing many human interactions with natural language chatbots powered by AI.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): In compliance, reporting, and insurance claims, RPA is reducing cost and human error by automating repetitive tasks.

AI’s integration into fintech enables more efficient, responsive, and inclusive financial services, while reducing operational overhead.

5. Regulatory and Cybersecurity Challenges

With technological progress comes risk. Regulators are racing to catch up with innovation, while cyber threats continue to evolve.

Key Risks and Responses:

• Data Privacy: As financial services collect vast amounts of personal data, regulators (like the EU’s GDPR or California’s CPRA) are tightening compliance demands.
• Cybersecurity: Attacks on financial systems—particularly crypto exchanges—underscore the need for improved security frameworks and customer protections.
• Regulatory Arbitrage: Fintech and crypto startups often shop for lenient jurisdictions, creating fragmented global oversight and complicating cross-border compliance.

As the industry grows, collaboration between innovators, regulators, and cybersecurity experts is critical to ensure long-term resilience and trust.

6. The Convergence of Finance and Technology

Fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital payments are no longer separate verticals—they’re converging into a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem that defines the future of finance. Whether it’s decentralized lending in DeFi, instant payment rails, or AI-powered wealth management, these innovations are empowering consumers, disrupting legacy institutions, and expanding access to capital.

The next few years will see increased regulation, broader adoption, and the rise of hybrid financial models blending traditional systems with decentralized technologies. For consumers, the outcome will be faster, cheaper, and more personalized services. For businesses, the challenge lies in adapting quickly to stay relevant in this era of intelligent, automated, and borderless finance.

Key Concepts:  FinTech, cryptocurrency, electronic payments, Bitcoin, stablecoins, ACH, investments, Neobanks, digital wallets

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/fintech-cryptocurrency-electronic-payments-industry-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Fintech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry
2. Introduction to the FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry
3. Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Explained
4. The Difference Between Cryptocurrencies and Stablecoins/National Treasuries Consider Issuing Stable Digital Currencies
5. Cryptocurrencies Used in Fraud and Money Laundering
6. BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) Payment Options Have Strong Market Share
7. Digital Wallets Gain Payments Market Share
8. The SuperApp Begins to Develop in FinTech
9. Real Time Payments (RTP)/Instant Payments/FedNow to Grow
10. Neobanks/Virtual Banks Explained/Top Competitors
11. A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the State of the Industry Today
12. Voice, Face & Image Recognition Change the Wireless World, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Added to Smartphones
13. Insurance Underwriting Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Policy Holders Allow Their Habits to Be Tracked for Lower Insurance Rates
14. GenAI Agents & Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Are Replacing Human Workers
15. Digital Assistants Include Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home/Alexa and Similar Software Power Third-Party Developers
16. Growth in Big Data Supported by Expansion of Cloud Computing and Predictive Analytics
17. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powers Hedge Fund Investment Strategies
18. Banks and Apps Vie for Previously Underserved Markets, Including Hispanics
19. China Sees Growth in Online Payments, Banking and Lending/Alipay Soars
20. Smartphones and Neobanks Replace Bank Branches and Tellers
21. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Systems, such as Zelle and Venmo, Soar in Popularity
22. In Emerging Nations, mChek and M-PESA Enable Remote Banking via Smartphone
23. Online Competition Changes the Mortgage Industry
24. Open Banking Revolutionizes the World of Banking and Finance
25. Financial Technology (FinTech) Enables Online Lending, Insurance and Robo Advisors
26. The Future of Banking, Credit Cards, Mobile Payments and Mortgages

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Fintech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry Statistics

1. FinTech, Cryptocurrency & Electronic Payments Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Global Digital, Network, Computer & Telecom Industries–Key Statistics & Market Size Overview
3. Artificial Intelligence Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
4. Investment & Securities Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
5. U.S. Banking, Mortgages & Credit Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
6. Global Credit Card Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
7. FDIC Insured Institution Statistics: Second Quarter 2024
8. Employment in the Banking Industry, U.S.: 2019- April 2025

7.21.25

The consulting industry is in the midst of a seismic transformation. Fueled by emerging technologies, globalization, changing client expectations, and economic fluctuations, today’s consultancies are navigating an increasingly dynamic and demanding business environment. According to Plunkett Research, global consulting revenues are expected to exceed $1.29 trillion in 2024, with U.S. consulting alone contributing over $430 billion. As firms adapt to this evolution, several key trends are shaping the future of the industry.

Even more information on this industry is available! Check out our Consulting Industry Center!

Plunkett’s Consulting Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. The AI Revolution in Consulting

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are reshaping consulting from the inside out. Consultancies are deploying generative AI to automate repetitive tasks such as research, report generation, and proposal writing. Tools like ChatGPT are becoming integral in drafting strategy decks and analyzing market data. McKinsey’s 2023 record revenue of $16 billion is attributed in part to its AI-driven service offerings.

Additionally, AI agents are stepping into front-line roles. Amelia, an AI assistant, now handles millions of customer interactions for firms like Allstate and Telefonica. Salesforce’s Agentforce allows clients to build AI-driven procurement and customer support bots. This rapid AI adoption not only boosts productivity but also redefines the roles of human consultants.

2. Contingency and Value-Based Pricing

Gone are the days when consultants billed freely by the hour. Clients now demand measurable ROI, which has led to widespread adoption of value-based and contingency pricing. Firms such as Bain & Company pioneered this model, accepting partial payment based on the success of their recommendations. This pricing structure aligns consultant incentives with client outcomes, increasing accountability while intensifying competitive pressure.

3. Expansion of Internal Consulting Teams

Organizations like Disney, Ritz-Carlton, and Pfizer are developing their own internal consulting units, aiming to cut costs, retain knowledge, and better align strategy with corporate culture. Some of these internal teams are even offering services to external clients. This trend is particularly prevalent in customer-centric industries, such as hospitality, where internal expertise is monetized and turned into brand-building consultative ventures.

4. Globalization and Emerging Market Growth

Major consulting firms have long expanded into global markets, but the growth of consulting in emerging economies—especially India, China, and Brazil—is now accelerating. India, in particular, has become a hotbed of consulting talent, thanks to its robust education pipeline and lower labor costs. Indian powerhouses like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) are now global players, offering end-to-end IT and business consulting solutions.

These firms leverage their scale and cost advantage to win contracts traditionally held by Western firms. To compete, U.S. and European consultancies are acquiring local firms or setting up regional hubs in developing nations.

5. IT Consulting’s Continued Dominance

Information technology remains one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in the consulting industry. Areas such as cloud computing, data analytics, mobile development, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving demand. As companies undergo digital transformations, they are relying on IT consultants to modernize operations and ensure system interoperability across platforms.

Meanwhile, cloud-based platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are becoming standard infrastructure, and consultancies are helping clients migrate, optimize, and secure their data in the cloud.

6. Offshoring and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO)

What began as a strategy to cut costs by offshoring call center operations has evolved into a global redistribution of high-value consulting tasks. Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) involves offshoring skilled work—such as legal research, accounting, financial analysis, and even architecture—to countries with large pools of educated, English-speaking professionals.

Firms are now entrusting offshore teams with critical tasks like tax preparation, software engineering, and regulatory compliance. High-security data environments and real-time collaboration tools have enabled seamless remote delivery of these services.

7. Cross-Industry Competition and Consulting Hybrids

Today, consulting is no longer the exclusive domain of traditional firms like McKinsey or BCG. Tech giants like IBM and Oracle have expanded their offerings to include consulting services. Simultaneously, many manufacturers and service providers now bundle consultative offerings with their core products. For instance, telecom equipment manufacturers offer strategic consulting to help clients implement and optimize systems.

This proliferation of hybrid service models creates both competition and opportunities for partnerships, as consulting becomes embedded in end-to-end business solutions.

8. Accounting Firms Regain Dominance in Consulting

After a period of regulatory retreat, the Big Four accounting firms—PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG—have reasserted themselves in the consulting space. These firms now generate more consulting revenue than many traditional consulting giants, aided by large-scale acquisitions and the integration of IT, strategy, and compliance expertise.

PwC’s acquisition of Booz & Company (now Strategy&) and Deloitte’s aggressive expansion into digital and tech consulting underscore how accounting firms are becoming one-stop shops for advisory services.

9. Specialization and Niche Expertise

As competition grows fiercer, boutique consultancies are thriving by focusing on niche areas such as environmental regulation, supply chain optimization, or personalized medicine. With major corporations demanding faster results, leaner firms that deliver specialized solutions often have a competitive edge. Even larger consultancies are organizing teams around highly specific industry verticals and regulatory domains.

10. Gen Z and MBA Grads Flock to Consulting

Despite the demanding workload, consulting remains one of the most coveted career paths for new MBAs. The field offers prestige, strong compensation, and broad exposure to complex business challenges. A 2024 Universum survey ranked consulting and accounting among the top desired career sectors for business students, signaling that talent pipelines remain robust.

In response, firms are investing in work-life balance initiatives, hybrid work policies, and faster career progression to retain top talent. Some, like North Highland, are pioneering local-only assignments to reduce travel and increase employee satisfaction.

Key Concepts:  Consulting, management, human resources, manufacturing, services, operations, finance, economics, business, globalization, corporations, computers, information technology, research, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI)

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Consulting Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/consulting-market-research/).  This revised and updated data is part of our massive Plunkett Research Online subscription service, where we continuously monitor the world’s 40 most vital business sectors, including such industries as retailing, artificial intelligence, health care, sports/recreation and much, much more.  Our analysts and market research continually monitor the world’s leading industries and companies and post thorough updates yearly.

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Consulting Industry.  Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

• Business trends analysis
• In-depth industry overview
• Technology trends analysis
• Forecasts
• Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
• In-depth industry statistics and metrics
• Industry employment numbers
  
  

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

• U.S. and Global Firms
• Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
• Executive Contacts
• Revenues
• For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
• Statistical Tables
  
  

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?
  
  

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Consulting Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Consulting Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Consulting Industry
2. Introduction to the Consulting Industry
3. Consulting in Emerging Nations/The Offshoring of Consulting Projects
4. Management Consulting and Consulting to Major Corporations
5. Consulting to Governments/U.S. Federal and State Consulting Contracts
6. Federal Government Consulting Contracts Are Massive in IT, Defense & Facilities
7. IT Consulting/Software Consulting/ Computer Operations Consulting
8. Trends in Manufacturing, such as Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), Lead to Collaboration and Consulting-Like Services
9. Consulting Firms Accept Assignments with Contingency Fees
10. Consulting Firms Acquire Digital Advertising Agencies, Extending Their Marketing Services
11. Accounting Firms Taking Large Market Share of Consulting Contracts
12. Many Industry Sectors Seek Consulting and Outsourcing Income, Competing with Pure Consultancies
13. Major Corporations and Organizations Develop Internal Consultants and Seek Outside Clients
14. Corporate Clients Want Solid Returns on IT Investments
15. Consultancies Position Themselves to Serve Global Markets and Multinational Corporations
16. Offshoring to India Drives Changes in Global Consulting
17. BPO and KPO: White-Collar and Professional Tasks such as Law and Accounting Are Offshored/Call Centers Become More Sophisticated
18. GenAI Agents & Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Are Replacing Human Workers
19. Consulting and Accounting Firms Rapidly Adopt Generative AI
20. New MBAs Desire Consulting and Accounting Jobs

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Consulting Industry Statistics

1. Consulting Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Consulting Industry Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
3. Management Consulting Companies: Estimated Sources of Revenue, U.S.:2018-2022
4. Consulting Industry Employment, U.S.: 2019-April 2025

7.15.25

The real estate and construction industries are pivotal to global economic development, employing millions and shaping the landscapes of our cities and communities. In 2025, these industries are navigating a complex mix of economic pressures, technological innovation, and evolving consumer preferences. Here’s a deep dive into the most significant trends currently transforming real estate and construction.

Even more information on this industry is available!  Check out our Real Estate Industry Center.

Plunkett’s Real Estate & Construction Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. High Interest Rates and the Housing Affordability Crisis

The housing market is under significant pressure from sustained high interest rates. As of mid-2025, mortgage rates have risen to levels that make homeownership unattainable for many households, including dual-income families. The median price for a new home now exceeds $420,000, and homeownership rates have declined to 65.6% from their 2006 peak of 68.9%.

This has driven a surge in demand for rental housing. In 2024 alone, a record-breaking 500,000 new apartment units were completed, with the national vacancy rate at 7.1%. Yet, rents remain high, and the cost gap between renting and owning has widened, making renting the more affordable option for many Americans.

2. Digital Disruption and the Rise of Online Real Estate Services

Digital transformation continues to reshape the real estate landscape. Platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and LendingTree offer consumers the ability to search for homes, compare mortgages, and apply for loans entirely online. These services are challenging traditional real estate broker models.

A significant development was a 2023 court ruling awarding $1.8 billion in damages to sellers who overpaid commissions to traditional brokers, spurring broader calls for commission reform. Broker fees are now trending downward, often negotiated between 3% to 5% of the home’s sale price, down from the historical 6%.

3. Green Building and Sustainability Take Center Stage

Sustainability is now a mainstream priority in real estate development. Builders are increasingly adopting LEED and Green Globes certifications, integrating energy-efficient appliances, improved insulation, solar panels, and water-saving technologies. Cities like New York have passed ambitious mandates such as Local Law 97, requiring large buildings to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.

Zero-energy homes—buildings that produce as much energy as they consume—are gaining ground, particularly in sunny regions like the American Southwest. Though initial construction costs may be 10-20% higher, these homes promise long-term savings on utilities and greater resilience amid rising energy prices.

4. Technological Innovation: Robotics, Prefabrication, and 3D Printing

The construction sector is embracing modernization through off-site prefabrication, robotics, and 3D printing. Panelization, where walls, staircases, and even entire rooms are fabricated in factories and assembled on-site, is helping to address labor shortages and reduce costs. Firms like PulteGroup and Lennar are adopting these methods, and startups like ICON are building 3D-printed homes using proprietary concrete technologies.

Robotic assembly lines, such as those employed by Blueprint Robotics and Project Frog, are now producing entire building modules, further accelerating timelines and improving quality control.

5. Smart Homes and IoT Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing how homes are designed and operated. Smart thermostats, lighting systems, security devices, and voice-activated controls are becoming standard features in new developments. Companies like Amazon (through Alexa and Ring) and Google (via Nest) are expanding their smart home ecosystems, offering consumers improved energy efficiency and convenience.

6. Demographic Shifts and Aging in Place

The aging Baby Boomer generation is reshaping housing demand. More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, creating strong demand for senior living facilities, retirement communities, and “universal design” homes—residences adapted for aging in place with features like step-free entryways, wider doorways, and touch-free appliances.

Builders and zoning authorities are increasingly creating multigenerational housing solutions, such as “granny flats” or attached living units, to accommodate older adults living with family while maintaining some level of independence.

7. The Evolution of Retail and Mixed-Use Developments

Retail real estate is adapting to ecommerce and changing consumer habits. While some malls face declining foot traffic and rising vacancies, others are transforming into lifestyle hubs featuring luxury retailers, restaurants, fitness centers, and even residential units. Projects like The RO in Houston and Victory Park in Dallas illustrate the growing trend toward vertical, mixed-use developments that combine work, living, and leisure in a single footprint.

High-end malls are also incorporating Instagrammable experiences and partnering with luxury brands to attract younger, affluent shoppers. Meanwhile, defunct retail spaces are being repurposed into fulfillment centers, clinics, or educational facilities.

8. Remodeling and DIY Renovation Trends

While large-scale construction has slowed due to high material and labor costs, the remodeling market is stabilizing after post-pandemic volatility. Homeowners are investing in energy-efficient retrofits, solar installations, and dedicated home office spaces. The rise of do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations, particularly among younger homeowners, has spurred demand for short-term rentals of construction tools and equipment.

There is also increased interest in universal design renovations, as aging populations seek to remain in their homes longer, further fueling demand for accessible remodeling features.

9. The Urban-Suburban Tug-of-War

The long-term impact of remote work on urban planning is still unfolding. While some predicted a mass urban exodus, many professionals still prefer walkable city living. However, remote-capable knowledge workers are increasingly relocating to smaller cities offering high quality of life, affordable housing, and strong internet infrastructure. This has driven growth in areas like Boise, Idaho; Bryan-College Station, Texas; and parts of Florida and Utah.

Meanwhile, some cities are rethinking their infrastructure and zoning to promote transit-oriented, mixed-use developments near commuter rail hubs—a model that fosters sustainable urban living.

10. Challenges in International Markets: Spotlight on China

In China, once-booming real estate markets are now under stress. After years of overbuilding and speculative investment, many projects remain unfinished or unoccupied, particularly in smaller cities. Prices in major hubs like Beijing have stagnated, while resale prices are declining. In response, the Chinese government is easing mortgage requirements and increasing financial support to stabilize the market.

The real estate and construction industries in 2025 are characterized by both challenge and innovation. High interest rates and affordability concerns are dampening traditional homeownership, while technology, sustainability, and demographic shifts are creating exciting new opportunities. Stakeholders who adapt to these trends—embracing digital tools, green design, modular construction, and evolving consumer preferences—will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead.

Key Concepts:  Real estate, housing, construction, development, green buildings, sustainability, communities, mortgages, architecture, business, investing, finance, economics, globalization, marketing, aging in place

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025