Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Real Estate & Construction Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/real-estate-construction-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 Real Estate & Construction 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 Real Estate & Construction Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Real Estate & Construction Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Real Estate & Construction Industry
2. Introduction to the Real Estate & Construction Industry
3. High Interest Rates Hinder Mortgage Originations, Slow Home Sales & Create Challenges for Commercial Real Estate
4. Online Competition Changes the Mortgage Industry
5. Apartment Market Evolves Due to New Construction and High Interest Rates
6. Real Estate Online Services Continue to Grow
7. Internet-Based Home Sales and Court Rulings on Commissions Challenge Residential Brokers
8. Homes and Commercial Buildings Seek Green Certification
9. Building Technologies Advance/Robotics & 3D Printing Used in Construction
10. Baby Boomers Become a Strong Influence in the Housing Market/Universal Design Improves Aging in Place
11. Real Estate Markets in China Face Challenges
12. Mixed-Use Developments Go Vertical
13. Malls and Shopping Centers Adapt to New Technologies and Ecommerce
14. Malls Remodel & Update Strategies to Boost Sales and Attract Shoppers
15. Remodeling Market Is on the Upswing
16. Shared Spaces for Co-Living and Co-Working Face Challenges
17. The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Smart Home
18. The Future of Housing/The Future of Cities

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Real Estate & Construction Industry Statistics

1. Real Estate & Construction Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Value of U.S. Private Construction Put in Place: 2018-2024
3. Value of U.S. Public (Government) Construction Put in Place: 2018-2024
4. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the U.S.: 2023-2024
5. Commercial, Residential & Farm Mortgages by Holder, U.S.: 2016-2024
6. Home Mortgages by Holder, U.S.: 2016-2024
7. Mortgage Loans Outstanding, U.S.: 1985 – 2024
8. New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started, U.S.: 1985-2024
9. Homeownership Rates by Region, U.S.: Selected Years, 1965-2024
10. Average Sales Prices of New Homes Sold in U.S.: 1963-2024
11. Median & Average Sales Price of New Single Family Homes by Region, U.S.: 1990-2024
12. Construction Industry Employment, U.S.: 2020-April 2025
13. Miscellaneous Real Estate & Construction Industry Employment, U.S.: 2020 – March 2025

Credit: iStock.com/LeventKonuk

7.10.25

The engineering and research sectors are undergoing a sweeping evolution. Once confined to government labs or corporate R&D centers, innovation is now a global enterprise, shaped by advances in digital technologies, cross-border collaboration, and a pressing need to address global challenges—from clean energy to personalized medicine.

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

Plunkett’s Engineering & Research Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Unprecedented Growth in Global R&D Investment

R&D spending has reached historic highs, exceeding $2.7 trillion globally in 2024. While the United States continues to lead in absolute R&D investment, the global distribution of innovation is shifting rapidly. Nations such as China, India, Israel, and South Korea are significantly ramping up their investments, with China investing over $780 billion last year alone.

China’s strategy combines massive funding for research parks, a sharp rise in science and engineering graduates, and a focus on patent development. Meanwhile, India is emerging as a critical player through its biotech corridors and defense research investments. Countries like Singapore and Taiwan are also fostering innovation through robust IP frameworks and incentives for high-tech sectors.

This global expansion has ushered in a more collaborative and competitive R&D environment. Companies now operate across multiple international hubs, tapping into local expertise, cost advantages, and government support programs.

2. Artificial Intelligence: The New Research Assistant

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the backbone of modern engineering and scientific research. In engineering, AI is transforming traditional design processes through simulation, predictive modeling, and optimization. These capabilities reduce time-to-market and enable agile, high-precision engineering—especially critical in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

In the research realm, AI’s impact is even more profound. It accelerates drug discovery by analyzing molecular structures, predicts disease outbreaks using vast health datasets, and aids in materials science by modeling the behavior of new compounds. AI is also vital for managing the massive volumes of data produced by research teams and instruments, particularly in genomics, climate science, and particle physics.

As AI models become more interpretable and scalable, their integration into day-to-day R&D will deepen, changing the very nature of how research questions are framed and answered.

3. The Biotechnology Revolution

We are at the cusp of a “bioindustrial era,” where biology is increasingly used as a platform for innovation. This trend is driven by breakthroughs in genetic engineering (e.g., CRISPR), biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology.

Pharmaceutical companies are using advanced genomic techniques to develop targeted therapies, dramatically improving treatment outcomes in oncology and rare diseases. At the same time, bioengineering is being applied to agriculture, with genetically edited crops enhancing yield, resistance, and sustainability.

Biomanufacturing is another key frontier. Engineered microbes are producing chemicals, enzymes, and even plastics more efficiently and sustainably than traditional methods. Countries such as Singapore, China, and the U.S. are investing in large-scale biotech campuses to support these developments.

Moreover, ethical and regulatory challenges in biotechnology are prompting the rise of new frameworks for responsible innovation, balancing progress with public trust and safety.

4. Sustainable Engineering and Electrification

The global engineering landscape is being reshaped by the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Electrification, particularly in transportation, is at the forefront. Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are gaining mass-market acceptance, with more than 14 million EVs sold in 2023 alone.

Automakers are investing heavily in battery research to improve energy density, lifespan, and charging speeds. However, the EV transition faces challenges such as the scarcity of rare earth materials, dependence on Chinese supply chains, and the uneven availability of charging infrastructure.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology, long viewed as futuristic, is gaining traction in commercial transportation, particularly for long-haul trucking and maritime applications. Countries like Japan and Germany are spearheading pilot projects and infrastructure development for hydrogen ecosystems.

Beyond transportation, engineering firms are also advancing in carbon capture, renewable energy integration, and the development of sustainable materials—key enablers of a circular economy.

5. The Rise of Commercial Space Research

Once the sole domain of government agencies, space exploration and research are rapidly commercializing. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab are redefining launch economics through reusable rocket technology, significantly reducing the cost of accessing space.

These advancements are opening up new opportunities: high-speed global internet via satellite constellations, space-based manufacturing of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, and even space tourism. For engineering teams, designing equipment that can withstand space environments—extreme temperature, radiation, and microgravity—is an expanding area of innovation.

Moreover, geopolitical interests are spurring renewed investment in space by nations seeking strategic advantages. This includes not only defense applications but also space mining, surveillance, and climate monitoring.

The increasing presence of private actors is leading to more dynamic regulatory discussions and public-private partnerships that will shape the next chapter of space research.

6. Advanced Materials and Robotics Redefining Manufacturing

The integration of new materials and automation technologies is revitalizing the manufacturing landscape. High-performance polymers, nanocomposites, and carbon-based materials (such as graphene) are enabling lighter, stronger, and more energy-efficient components for industries ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics.

In parallel, industrial robotics and automation systems—powered by AI and computer vision—are improving efficiency and consistency in manufacturing. Robotics are particularly crucial in high-cost labor markets, where they offer competitive alternatives to offshoring.

Smart factories, equipped with IoT sensors and real-time data analytics, are becoming more common. These “Industry 4.0” environments allow predictive maintenance, digital twins for production lines, and seamless integration between design, testing, and manufacturing functions.

This convergence of materials science and robotics not only boosts productivity but also fosters greater customization and resilience in supply chains.

7. Future Outlook

The engineering and research sectors are no longer insulated, siloed domains. Instead, they are dynamic, interconnected ecosystems where cross-disciplinary collaboration and global integration are the norm. The convergence of AI, biotechnology, sustainable technologies, and advanced manufacturing is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For professionals, this means acquiring hybrid skills that span data science, systems thinking, and domain expertise. For organizations, it requires reimagining how R&D is structured, funded, and scaled—often through partnerships that cross borders and sectors.

Most importantly, the innovation economy of 2025 and beyond will be defined by its ability to address humanity’s most pressing challenges: health, sustainability, resilience, and knowledge. Engineering and research, now more than ever, stand at the heart of that mission.

Key Concepts: Research, CAD CAM, internet, design, software, networks, artificial intelligence (AI), hardware, jobs, innovation, investing, marketing, finance, technology, business

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Engineering & Research Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/engineering-rd-technology-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 Engineering & Research 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 Engineering & Research Industry.

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

1. Major Trends Affecting the Engineering & Research Industry
2. Introduction to the Engineering & Research Industry
3. A Short History of U.S. Industrial Research & Development
4. R&D Expands in Chinese Research Parks/Patent Filings Soar
5. Outsourcing and Offshoring of Research, Development and Engineering Grow Along With Globalization
6. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Adds Value to Contract Electronics Manufacturing
7. The State of the Biotechnology Industry Today
8. Nations Compete Fiercely in Biotech Development
9. Globalization and Worldwide Collaboration Fuel the Research Efforts of Major Corporations
10. Number of Patent Applications Remains High/Patent Laws Change
11. 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing), Rapid Prototyping and Computer Aided Design
12. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
13. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Power Research Continues/Fuel Cell Cars Enter Market
14. Electric Cars (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) Spur Changes at Auto Makers/Hybrid Sales See Sharp Growth
15. Major Technology Research in Batteries/Massive Investments in Battery Factories and Power Storage
16. Supercomputing Hits 1,742 Petaflops
17. Superconductivity Provides Advanced Electricity Distribution Technology
18. Private, Reusable Rockets Launch Commercial Satellites and Serve Both the U.S. Military & NASA
19. Technology Discussion—Synthetic Biology
20. The Future of Transportation and Supply Chains: Massive Investments in Infrastructure & Mobility Services
21. HPTP Thermoplastics, Thermoset and Engineered Plastics Enable Advanced Products/Nanocomposites Offer the Ultimate in Advanced Materials
22. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning Advance into Commercial Applications, Including Health Care and Robotics
23. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enables Efficiencies and Accelerated Innovation in R&D
24. The Future of Space Commercialization and Private Rocket Launch Services

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

1. Engineering & Research Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Quarterly Engineering & Research Industry Revenues, U.S.: 2024
3. Engineering & Scientific Research & Development Services: Estimated Sources of Revenue, U.S.: 2018-2022
4. Federal R&D Funding by Character of Work and Facilities and Equipment, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
5. Federal R&D Budget & Distribution by Agency, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
6. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for National Defense, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
7. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Health and Human Services, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
8. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Space Flight, Research & Supporting Activities, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
9. NASA Budget Appropriations & Projections: 2023-2029
10. Federal R&D & R&D Funding for Basic Research, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
11. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Agriculture, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
12. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Transportation, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
13. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Energy, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
14. U.S. Department of Energy Funding for Science & Energy Programs: 2023-2025
15. U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Budget: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
16. NSF Budget by Appropriation (Dollars in Millions), Fiscal Years 2023-2025
17. Research Funding for Biological Sciences, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
18. Research Funding for Engineering, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2023-2025
19. Top 30 U.S. Patent Recipient Organizations: 2024
20. The U.S. Drug Discovery & Approval Process
21. Employment in Engineering Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: 2021 – 2025
22. Employment in Life & Physical Science Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: May 2024

Credit: iStock.com/MaximShebeko

6.30.25

The global restaurant, hotel, and hospitality industry is on track to hit historic highs in 2025. Restaurant sales will near $2.6 trillion, global hotel revenues will reach $955 billion, and U.S. food service revenues alone have surpassed $1.1 trillion. These numbers mark a strong rebound from the pandemic’s lows—but behind the recovery is a rapidly transforming landscape driven by new consumer behaviors, rising wages, and disruptive technologies. Here are the most important trends defining this dynamic sector.

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

Plunkett’s Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Labor Shortages Fuel Automation and AI Integration

Labor scarcity is a mounting challenge.  In the U.S., hospitality wages are climbing, California’s 2024 fast-food law mandates a minimum $20 per hour for large chains.  Hotels and restaurants, long reliant on large low-wage workforces, now face both political and demographic pressure to increase pay.  The response?  Automation.  Restaurants are introducing robotics like “Flippy” for burger flipping and AI-enhanced kiosks for customer orders.  McDonald’s and Wendy’s are investing in smaller, drive-thru-only formats featuring self-service kiosks and mobile ordering lockers.  Yum! Brands, parent company of Taco Bell and KFC, is deploying AI voice-ordering at 500 U.S. locations in 2025, a shift expected to improve speed, reduce labor needs, and boost average order value.  Hotels, too, are adopting AI-driven concierges and IoT-enabled rooms that automate climate, lighting and entertainment preferences.

2. Rise of Ghost Kitchens and Delivery-Only Models

Consumers’ pandemic-era digital habits have become permanent.  Delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats still claim 15–30% of every restaurant check. This has given rise to ghost kitchens which are delivery-only cooking facilities with no customer seating, signage, or service staff.  Platforms like CloudKitchens, Wonder and Grubhub are enabling operators to launch multiple virtual brands from a single kitchen, maximizing output while minimizing overhead.  These models are ideal for densely populated areas and cater to the growing demand for convenience.

3. Experience-Driven Travel and Dining

Today’s travelers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, seek authenticity, wellness and sustainability over luxury.  This generational shift has birthed a new “experiential economy” where locally sourced food, craft breweries, volunteer tourism and eco-certified lodges win out over cookie-cutter experiences.  Hotels are adapting with wellness offerings like Hilton’s Five Feet to Fitness rooms and menus featuring regional cuisine.  Social-media-ready aesthetics, immersive excursions, and cause-based itineraries (such as tree planting or teaching abroad) are becoming standard in high-end travel.

4. Sharing Economy Challenges Traditional Lodging

Airbnb now lists 7.7 million active properties across over 100,000 cities.  This massive supply has changed how people think about lodging, blurring the lines between commercial hospitality and residential rental.  To compete, hotel chains are launching branded home-rental services (e.g., Marriott’s Homes & Villas) and embracing micro-rooms, extended-stay suites, and hostel-inspired “poshtels” to appeal to younger, value-conscious travelers.  Hotels are also adopting hybrid models where apartments or condos near hotel properties are integrated into reservation systems and offer access to full-service hotel amenities.

5. Online Travel Agencies vs. Hotel Brands: The Loyalty Battle

Online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Booking.com dominate the online booking space, charging hotels commissions up to 25%.  In response, hotel chains are fighting back by offering exclusive perks like mobile check-in, digital room keys, loyalty points, and room selection features only to direct-booking guests.  Mobile-first marketing, app-based personalization and social media promotions are essential tools in this war for customer loyalty.

6. The Cruise Industry’s Dual Expansion

Cruising is growing at both extremes: mega-ships and micro-expeditions.  Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas can carry over 7,000 guests and includes theme park-like amenities, while luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn and Uniworld are investing in smaller vessels with 100–500 passengers focused on intimacy and adventure.  The river cruise segment is especially strong, offering boutique experiences and higher fares per guest with significantly lower capital investment.  Companies like Viking and AmaWaterways are thriving in this niche.

7. Booming Food Truck and Craft Brewery Movements

Urban areas continue to embrace food trucks and craft breweries as symbols of local flavor and innovation.  Food trucks, often operated by women, immigrants or minority entrepreneurs, are affordable to start and flexible to operate.  Cities like Denver and Philadelphia offer some of the best regulatory environments for mobile kitchens.  Craft beer, with nearly 10,000 breweries across the U.S., offers opportunities for restaurants and brewpubs to differentiate through unique food and beverage pairings.

8. Eco-Tourism, Pet-Friendly Perks and Personalized Experiences

Sustainability is now a core value proposition.  Green-certified hotels and cruise ships with biofuel initiatives, advanced wastewater systems and local sourcing practices are becoming mainstream.  Certification programs like Green Globe and EarthCheck lend credibility to these claims.  At the same time, hotels are tapping into lifestyle trends such as pet ownership.  Dog-friendly rooms, on-site pet menus and perks like massage services for dogs are now surprisingly common, particularly among Millennials and Boomers who prefer traveling with pets.

The future of the hospitality industry is being defined by converging pressures: rising wages, changing consumer values and rapid tech adoption.  Automation and artificial intelligence will drive cost-efficiency and personalization.  Meanwhile, the real differentiators will be experience, sustainability, and emotional resonance.

Key Concepts:  Restaurant, business, cruises, economics, hotel, entrepreneurship, finance, future, globalization, fast food, food service, catering, innovation, investing, marketing, consumer goods, technology, hospitality, 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 Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/restaurant-hotel-and-hospitality-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 Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality 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 Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry
2. Introduction to the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry
3. McDonald’s and Other Fast-Food Companies Reposition to Adapt to New Consumer Tastes, Robotics and AI
4. Wages Rise for Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality Workers
5. Food Trucks Enjoy a Boom
6. Craft/Microbreweries Proliferate
7. Grubhub, DoorDash and Others Deliver Restaurant Meals
8. Virtual Restaurants with No Seats (Ghost Kitchens) Serve the Home Delivery Market
9. Obesity Sparks Government, School and Corporate Initiatives/Snack Foods Get Healthier
10. Retail Technologies Advance for Restaurant Online Ordering, along with Robotics and Automation
11. Cruise Industry Enjoys High Occupancy and Launches New Ships
12. Small Cruise Ships Feature Adventure, Luxury, Intimacy or Access to More Places
13. River Cruise Lines Reap the Benefits of Low Capital Investment and High Fares
14. Chinese Tourists Create Growth Opportunities for the Cruise and Hotel Industries
15. Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Volunteerism Grow as Certification Standards Are Set
16. Luxury Hotel Chains Expand Globally
17. What Millennials and Mobile-Savvy Consumers Want as Tourists and Travelers
18. Hotels Target Young Customers with Strategies Ranging from Micro Rooms and Hostels, to Hip Hotels that Encourage Mingling to Fitness Options
19. Sharing Economy Gains Market Share in Travel with Online Sites Like Airbnb, Vrbo and Many Global Competitors
20. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)/Hotels Fight to Keep Control of the Customer
21. Localization Drives Hotel Features, Marketing
22. Dog-Friendly Hotels Gain Market Share
23. The Future of the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry Statistics

1. Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Estimated U.S. Restaurant & Food Service Industry Revenues by NAICS Code: 2017-2024
3. Estimated U.S. Hotel & Accommodations Sector Quarterly Revenues: 2021-4th Quarter 2024
4. Consumer Food Price Indexes, Food Away from Home & Food at Home, U.S.: 1997-2023
5. Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality Industry Employment by Business Type, U.S.: 2020-2025
6. Restaurant & Food Service Employment and Wage Estimates by Occupation, U.S.: May 2024

6.24.25

The apparel, shoes, and textiles industry is navigating one of the most dynamic periods in its history. With global retail clothing and footwear sales projected to top $2.4 trillion in 2024, the sector is both a cornerstone of consumer markets and a hotbed of transformation. As manufacturers, designers, and retailers contend with changing consumer values, technological disruption, and geopolitical pressures, several defining trends are shaping the future of fashion and footwear.

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

Plunkett’s Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Shifting Global Manufacturing Landscape

For decades, China dominated global apparel and footwear manufacturing thanks to low labor costs and vast production capacity. However, this supremacy is waning. Rising wages and a shrinking workforce in China are pushing manufacturers to seek lower-cost alternatives. Countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia are becoming attractive manufacturing hubs, offering cost efficiency, improving infrastructure, and growing technical capabilities.

Vietnam, in particular, is a standout. In 2024, the U.S. imported $16.1 billion in apparel from Vietnam, up from $14.4 billion the year before. This migration is creating new economic opportunities in these emerging markets while diversifying supply chains, a critical lesson learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, there is a modest yet notable trend toward reshoring or nearshoring. Automation and digital manufacturing technologies have enabled some apparel production to return to the U.S., Mexico, and Central America. While not labor-intensive, these high-tech operations offer faster turnaround times and greater flexibility, allowing brands to respond more swiftly to market trends.

2. Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern, it is now a central pillar of brand identity and consumer expectation. Millennials and Gen Z consumers, in particular, are demanding transparency and eco-consciousness from their favorite labels.

This has catalyzed a shift toward environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester. Brands are also developing closed-loop systems in which clothing is designed with recyclability in mind. Adidas, for example, is investing heavily in single-material apparel that can be fully recycled. Similarly, Levi Strauss is reducing water usage in denim production through its “Water<Less” initiative.

Furthermore, the circular fashion economy is gaining traction. Companies like Rent the Runway are leading the charge in clothing rental, while platforms like The RealReal and Poshmark promote resale and upcycling. Mainstream retailers such as H&M, Patagonia, and Uniqlo are even offering in-store recycling bins and repair services.

The footwear sector is seeing parallel changes. Nike and Allbirds have launched shoes made from sustainable or recycled materials, while others explore biodegradable and vegan alternatives. Sustainable production is no longer an add-on—it is becoming a baseline.

3. Technological Integration and Smart Fashion

Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of the apparel and shoe industries. In manufacturing, automation, robotics, and 3D knitting machines allow for precision and speed. 3D printing and digital prototyping reduce waste and accelerate product development cycles, enabling quicker time-to-market.

Wearable technology is an emerging frontier. From biometric fitness tracking embedded in apparel to smart shoes with GPS and pressure sensors, fashion is merging with functionality. Under Armour, Adidas, and other activewear giants are building ecosystems around tech-enhanced products. While still a small market, wearable fashion is poised for strong growth, especially in sports, wellness, and healthcare.

Consumer-facing technologies are also transforming the shopping experience. Virtual try-ons, powered by augmented reality (AR), are reducing returns and improving satisfaction. AI and machine learning algorithms now help brands personalize recommendations, optimize inventory, and predict trends with stunning accuracy.

4. E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Disruption

The rapid growth of e-commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape. Amazon has become a major apparel and footwear retailer, leveraging its data capabilities and fast shipping to capture a growing share of the market. At the same time, digitally native vertical brands (DNVBs) such as Everlane, Warby Parker, and Allbirds are disrupting traditional retail by bypassing middlemen and selling directly to consumers online.

These DTC brands offer transparency, ethical sourcing, and community-building as core values, resonating strongly with younger demographics. Many are also innovating with “drop” models and limited releases to drive urgency and loyalty.

Even traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are adopting hybrid approaches. BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store), curbside delivery, and livestreamed shopping events are becoming the norm. Store associates are being re-trained as digital stylists, offering video consultations to replicate in-store experiences online.

5. Personalization and Inclusivity

Today’s consumers expect products that reflect their identity, values, and body types. This has led to the rapid rise of size inclusivity, gender-neutral fashion, and culturally diverse design. Major retailers are expanding their size ranges and showcasing more diverse models in advertising campaigns.

The plus-size market is especially noteworthy. It’s estimated to be worth over $30 billion in the U.S. alone, and it continues to grow. Brands like Torrid, Eloquii, and Good American are catering to this demand with style-forward options.

Customization is another growing trend. Nike’s “By You” platform and Adidas’ customization tools allow shoppers to design their own apparel and sneakers. As AI and manufacturing technology improve, mass customization may become more accessible across brands.

6. Fast Fashion Under Fire

Fast fashion, epitomized by brands like Zara, Shein, and H&M, continues to thrive in terms of sales volume, but faces increasing scrutiny for its environmental and social impact. While the affordability and rapid trend turnover appeal to budget-conscious consumers, concerns about waste, pollution, and labor exploitation are intensifying.

Regulatory efforts in Europe and parts of the U.S. are attempting to enforce more sustainable practices, while activists push for better labor rights and lower carbon footprints. As awareness grows, even fast fashion giants are investing in eco-conscious initiatives, though critics argue that true sustainability is incompatible with the fast fashion business model.

7. Athleisure and Lifestyle Integration

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward casual, comfortable clothing. Athleisure, apparel designed for both athletic and everyday wear, has become a dominant category, blurring the lines between gym gear and streetwear.

Brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Vuori have become household names, while luxury brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga are launching high-end versions of sneakers, joggers, and hoodies. The continued hybridization of work-from-home and in-office life suggests this trend will remain a powerful force.

Footwear is following suit, with sneakers outselling dress shoes in many markets. “Sneaker culture” has evolved into a collector’s ecosystem, driving demand for limited releases and collaborations.

The apparel, shoes, and textiles industry is at a pivotal moment. It must reconcile rapid innovation with pressing environmental and social challenges, all while catering to increasingly sophisticated and digitally fluent consumers. Brands that succeed will be those that embrace sustainability, harness technology, and put customers at the center of their strategies.

Key Concepts:  Stores, business, fashion, design, fabrics, entrepreneurship, finance, jobs, offshore, branding, smart fabrics, investing, marketing, retail, online, fast fashion

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025

Plunkett Research, Ltd., a Houston, Texas-based market research firm, has completed its latest research on the Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/apparel-shoes-textiles-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 Apparel, Shoes & Textiles 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 Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry
2. Introduction to the Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry
3. Vietnam, India and Other Countries Gain Manufacturing Market Share/Tariffs May Alter Market Significantly
4. U.S. Apparel and Textile Jobs Reshore to Some Extent
5. Working Conditions and Workers’ Rights Become Major Considerations as Work Moves from China to Lower-Cost Nations
6. Wearable Sensors Track Exercise Data/Apparel and Shoe Manufacturers Adopt Technologies
7. 3-D Printing and Robotics Revolutionize Manufacture of Shoes and Fabrics
8. Exercise Apparel and Athleisure Clothing Sales Remain Strong
9. Athletic Footwear Sales Boom, Drawing Big Names from Athletes to Designers
10. 3PL Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management Services Evolve and Consolidate
11. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere
12. Bricks, Clicks and Catalogs Create Synergies While Online Sales Growth Surges
13. Plus-Size Apparel and Vanity Sizing Target Overweight Consumers
14. Self Service Apparel Fitting Technologies Grow
15. Fast Fashion: Designers and Retailers Speed Up
16. Apparel Manufacturing Goes Green
17. Green Consumers Push Demand for Recycled and Re-sale Clothing
18. Designers and Manufacturers Bypass the Middleman with Direct-to-Consumer Online Business Models
19. Fashion Rental Pioneered by Online Apparel Firm Rent the Runway
20. Amazon Becomes One of the World’s Leading Sellers of Apparel and Shoes
21. Disruption, Technology and the Future of the Fashion, Apparel and Shoes Business

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry Statistics

1. Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. U.S. Apparel Manufacturing Producer Price Index (PPI): December 2003 – March 2025
3. Top 50 Destinations of U.S. Textiles & Apparel Exports: 2023-2024
4. Top 25 Countries from which the U.S. Imports Apparel and Textiles, All MFA Fibers: 2023-24
5. U.S. Retail Sales: Apparel, Shoes & Accessories Stores, 2018-2024
6. Apparel & Textiles Industry Employment by Business Type, U.S.: 2020-2025

5.30.25

The advertising and branding industry is experiencing a seismic shift in 2025, fueled by rapid technological innovation, changes in consumer behavior, and evolving global media ecosystems. From the explosive impact of generative AI to the dominance of digital media and the disruption of traditional ad formats, here’s a deep dive into the major trends reshaping this dynamic sector.

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

Plunkett’s Advertising & Branding Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. Generative AI Revolutionizes Creative Strategy

One of the most transformative developments in recent years is the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, Claude, and others. These platforms are reshaping how brands generate content, enabling agencies to produce copy, visuals, and even videos with unprecedented speed and customization. For example, Klarna saved $10 million annually by leveraging generative AI to create marketing content.

With the ability to produce hundreds of ad variations quickly and cost-effectively, these tools empower brands to create hyper-targeted campaigns that resonate with niche audiences, boosting engagement while slashing creative costs.

2. Digital Advertising Dominates, with Amazon Leading the Way

Digital advertising has surged to represent two-thirds of global ad spending. Amazon, once a retail behemoth, has become a major advertising media giant, earning nearly $47 billion in 2023 from display ads alone. Its move to include ads on Prime Video further cements its position in the ad ecosystem.

Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok remain central to digital ad strategies, offering powerful targeting tools. The growing importance of paid search, programmatic ad buying, and real-time bidding systems allows marketers to place millions of ads per second, across smartphones, tablets, connected TVs, and even digital billboards.

3. Branded Entertainment and Embedded Marketing Soar

Consumers are increasingly skipping or blocking traditional ads, prompting brands to embed themselves directly into the content people love. From product placements in films and TV shows to full-blown branded entertainment projects, advertisers are blending storytelling with brand exposure.

Branded content—whether through a James Bond movie’s luxury car feature or a Mountain Dew-sponsored snowboarding documentary—offers immersive experiences that align closely with target audience lifestyles and passions.

4. Privacy Concerns and Data Regulation Reshape Ad Targeting

Privacy regulation continues to evolve rapidly. Apple’s app tracking transparency and Google’s phasing out of third-party cookies are pushing advertisers to pivot toward cohort-based targeting and first-party data strategies.

Regulations like the EU’s GDPR and the U.S.’s growing appetite for digital consumer protections are challenging brands to prioritize trust and consent while still delivering relevant ad experiences. Many consumers now opt out of tracking when prompted—up to 74% by some estimates.

5. Evolving Media Habits Demand Omnichannel Agility

Cord-cutting, streaming, and mobile-first behavior are fragmenting media consumption. Brands now contend with diverse platforms—from YouTube and Netflix to Twitch and mobile games. Smart TV ad tech, second-screen synchronization (e.g., social engagement during TV shows), and interactive ads are crucial tools in reaching dispersed audiences.

To stay effective, advertisers must seamlessly integrate messages across formats and devices, delivering consistent, context-aware content that aligns with how and where consumers choose to engage.

6. Email and Passion-Based Targeting Prove Their Staying Power

Amid all the high-tech innovation, email marketing remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools. Behavior-triggered email series—welcome messages, cart abandonment reminders, and loyalty campaigns—deliver strong ROI when personalized and well-timed.

Simultaneously, brands are shifting focus from broad demographic targeting to “passionate interest groups.” Ads now zero in on lifestyle affinities—like foodies, gamers, or outdoor enthusiasts—making messaging more relevant and engagement more likely.

7. Agencies Transform to Meet New Client Demands

Advertising agencies are under pressure to prove ROI, reduce costs, and increase transparency. As clients seek measurable performance, agencies are shifting away from markup-based billing to hybrid models, including success-based fees.

The rise of freelance platforms like Upwork and DesignCrowd is enabling agencies to work more flexibly and globally, while some brands are building in-house creative teams to gain control and cut expenses.

Notably, industry consolidation is accelerating. Omnicom’s $13.3 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group is set to create the world’s largest ad agency by revenue, highlighting the scale needed to compete in today’s digital-first environment.

8. Social Media Commerce and Influencer Marketing Expand

Social media platforms are blurring the lines between content and commerce. Facebook Shops, Instagram Storefronts, and TikTok’s in-app shopping features are turning social platforms into end-to-end sales ecosystems.

Meanwhile, influencers remain a dominant force, with brands collaborating with creators to access authentic, engaged audiences. The virality of product mentions, coupled with the trust placed in influencers, offers a powerful channel for consumer brands.

9. Programmatic and Predictive Advertising Refine Precision

Programmatic ad buying is now standard across digital media, leveraging AI and big data to place ads in real time. Predictive analytics tools enable brands to forecast consumer behavior, optimize campaign timing, and tailor creative content.

Platforms like Nielsen, Experian, and Meta are combining user behavior, location data, and purchase history to refine targeting and improve ad performance. This evolution promises more personalized, efficient ad delivery at scale.

10. Location-Based Services and Augmented Reality Enhance Engagement

Location-based advertising is becoming more sophisticated, using GPS and beacon technology to deliver offers and content based on a consumer’s real-time location. At malls, airports, and events, brands can push personalized promotions straight to smartphones.

Augmented reality is adding a new layer to mobile advertising. Apps like L’Oréal’s Makeup Genius allow users to “try on” products virtually, driving both engagement and conversions. Such experiences make ads interactive, memorable, and measurable.

Key Concepts:  Media, business, demographics, economics, agencies, entrepreneurship, finance, jobs, public relations, branding, innovation, investing, marketing, advertising, online, 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 Advertising & Branding Industry.  (See: https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/advertising-branding-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 Advertising & Branding 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 Advertising & Branding Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Advertising & Branding Industry

1. Major Trends Affecting the Advertising & Branding Industry
2. Introduction to the Advertising and Branding Industry
3. Agencies Face Both Evolving Client Needs and Vast Changes in Media
4. OpenAI (ChatGPT), StabilityAI, Anthropic (Claude) and Others Launch Impressive Tools that Generate Text, Art, Code and Smart ChatBots
5. Digital & Search Advertising Soar/Amazon Becomes an Advertising Media Giant
6. Programmatic Ad Buying Dominates the Digital Media Market
7. Global Internet Market Tops 9.3 Billion Users, both Fixed and Wireless
8. Television Ads Evolve to Face New Challenges and Formats/Streaming Platforms Sell Ads
9. Embedded Advertising/Product Placement/Branded Entertainment and Marketing Soar
10. Social Media Rakes in Global Online and Ad Revenues
11. Email Reigns as One of the Single Most Effective Advertising Tools
12. Newspapers and Magazines Rely on Digital Editions and Apps
13. Billboards Go Digital
14. Location-Based Services (LBS) Enhance Smartphones and Mobile Advertising
15. Private Label Brands Grow in Share of Total Store Sales
16. LOHAS-Socially Conscious Consumers Create Challenges and Opportunities for Advertisers and Marketers
17. Growth in China’s Ad Market
18. Growth in Big Data Supported by Expansion of Cloud Computing and Predictive Analytics
19. Retail Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advance for Store Checkout and Restaurant Orders
20. Online Marketing, Social Media and Ecommerce Enable Startups/Disruption in Consumer Products and Cosmetics
21. Regulatory Environment Is Challenging for Online Businesses & Social Media

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Advertising & Branding Industry Statistics

1. Advertising & Branding Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Global Digital, Network, Computer & Telecom Industries–Key Statistics & Market Size Overview
3. Estimated U.S. Advertising Sector Revenues by NAICS Code: 2015-2022
4. Advertising Agencies, Public Relations Agencies & Direct Mail Advertising: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
5. Employment in Advertising & Related Industries, U.S.: January of 1990-2025
6. Internet Publishing & Broadcasting & Web Search Portals: Estimated Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
7. Newspaper Publishers: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
8. Periodical Publishers: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
9. Radio Networks & Radio Stations: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
10. Television Broadcasting: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022
11. Cable & Other Subscription Programming: Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2017-2022

5.22.25

The digital world is experiencing profound disruption in cybersecurity, digital identity (ID), and online fraud. As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, posing significant challenges for businesses, governments, and consumers worldwide. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum computing are double-edged swords—providing both opportunities for defense and new avenues for exploitation.

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

Plunkett’s Cybersecurity, Digital ID & Online Fraud Industry eBook, latest edition.

1. The Soaring Cost of Cybercrime and Expanding Threats

The global cost of cybercrime is expected to balloon to $6.8 trillion by 2026, encompassing theft of funds, intellectual property, and personal data, along with fraud damages, system downtimes, and reputational harm. While global spending on cybersecurity solutions is forecast to surpass $267 billion by 2026, the pace of attacks often outstrips defense measures.

Major cyberattacks are increasingly geopolitical in nature, with nation-states like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea implicated in large-scale cyber espionage, infrastructure sabotage, and data theft. The U.S. Department of Justice’s 2025 indictment of 12 Chinese nationals for involvement in a global “Hacker-for-Hire” ecosystem exemplifies these rising threats.

High-profile corporate breaches, such as the MOVEit file transfer exploit that affected over 62 million individuals and thousands of organizations, highlight how even sophisticated entities can fall victim.

2. AI: A Tool for Both Defense and Attack

AI and machine learning are revolutionizing cybersecurity defenses, enabling real-time detection of anomalies and threats, automated risk scoring, and smarter fraud prevention tools. Solutions such as Google’s AI-powered Cloud Security Workbench exemplify this shift.

Yet, cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging generative AI to launch more convincing phishing emails, create deepfake videos, and impersonate individuals using synthetic voices and faces. The ability of AI to automate attacks at scale means that even inexperienced fraudsters can launch sophisticated campaigns using AI tools available on the dark web for a fraction of the cost previously required.

3. Quantum Computing: The Impending Encryption Crisis

Quantum computing is poised to become one of the most significant security challenges of the next decade. By exploiting quantum mechanics, these computers will have the capacity to break current encryption methods, rendering much of today’s data protection obsolete. Recognizing this threat, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed post-quantum encryption standards, which financial institutions and chipmakers are beginning to test.

4. The Rise of Digital ID Fraud and Credential Stuffing

With more governments and corporations adopting digital ID systems, fraudsters are exploiting these new vulnerabilities. Account takeovers (ATOs), synthetic identity fraud, and credential stuffing—where bots test stolen usernames and passwords across multiple platforms—are soaring.

Despite the availability of multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, and behavior-based verification, many consumers continue to reuse weak passwords, exposing themselves and the organizations they interact with to risk. The growth of the dark web, fueled by massive data breaches, has made personal information readily available at minimal cost, enabling even novice criminals to commit identity fraud on a large scale.

5. IoT, Smart Cities, and the Expanding Attack Surface

The explosion of IoT devices and smart cities is dramatically broadening the cyberattack surface. Hackers now target not just computers but a vast web of connected devices—smart refrigerators, cameras, industrial sensors—that can act as gateways to larger networks, a tactic known as “island hopping”.

Smart cities, while boosting urban efficiency, create significant privacy and security challenges. These systems gather granular data on citizen movements, raising concerns about surveillance, abuse, and vulnerability to hacking. Without stringent security frameworks, these networks can be exploited for criminal, terrorist, or espionage activities.

6. Payments Fraud and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Scams

The surging popularity of P2P payment apps like Zelle and Venmo has made transactions more seamless but also opened doors to fraud. Criminals exploit these platforms, particularly in scenarios where users send funds to unfamiliar parties without built-in fraud protection measures.

Beyond P2P fraud, online payment systems face an evolving threat landscape, with Business Email Compromise (BEC), ransomware, and botnet attacks becoming more common. Fraudsters’ abilities to launch attacks globally from anywhere make prevention and response more challenging for law enforcement and financial institutions.

7. Zero Trust and Next-Generation Network Security

The zero-trust model—where no device, user, or location is trusted by default—is rapidly becoming the gold standard in cybersecurity. Organizations are deploying tools that enforce continuous authentication, verify device integrity, and monitor behavioral anomalies in real time.

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and AI-enhanced VPNs are transforming from passive barriers to dynamic threat detection systems, capable of blocking malicious traffic, isolating compromised devices, and providing administrators with actionable intelligence.

8. AI as a Cybersecurity Service (SaaS)

AI-based cybersecurity solutions are increasingly being delivered via SaaS platforms, offering scalability, customization, and constant updates. Companies like FRISS provide AI-driven fraud detection tools to insurers, while banks and e-commerce platforms integrate cloud-based solutions that dynamically adjust fraud detection thresholds based on evolving threats.

9. The Expanding Role of Big Data and Predictive Analytics

The integration of big data, AI, and predictive analytics is transforming not only cybersecurity but also sectors like healthcare, finance, and logistics. By rapidly analyzing massive datasets, organizations can spot fraud patterns, optimize operations, and forecast emerging risks. However, the vast data lakes also present lucrative targets for hackers, necessitating airtight security measures.

The cybersecurity, digital ID, and online fraud landscape is entering an era where defensive innovation must accelerate to outpace increasingly sophisticated threats. AI, quantum computing, and IoT offer transformative benefits but also introduce new vulnerabilities. Organizations must embrace zero-trust models, invest in AI-driven threat intelligence, and educate users on best practices, such as password hygiene and phishing awareness.  Moreover, collaboration between private enterprises, governments, and international bodies is essential to establish global security standards, share threat intelligence, and create deterrence strategies that match the scale of emerging digital threats.

Key Concepts:  Authentication, cybersecurity, cyberfraud, digital id, fraud, hacking, privacy, security, malware

Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd., Copyright © 2025