2024 in Review: Wider Factors are Enveloping the IoT Industry

An important lesson from 2024’s IoT corporate initiatives is about an industry that is evolving to a post-connectivity world. This is due to the dynamics of market-demand, one of which is to treat IoT connectivity as a component in a system-level application. An example would be the case of connectivity being a part of an electric vehicle, IoT system. The introduction of regulatory protections represents another market driver. Here, examples are evident in consumer education and consumer protection initiatives.

The impending arrival of 6G is another factor. In anticipation, the communications industry is adjusting to the commercial necessities for 5G through by focusing more on enterprise customers and business modernization requirements. Examples here relate to private networks for smart factories and digital transformation. 

As a standalone technology, IoT is no longer a magnet for hype. Topics such as AI (generative and traditional), digital twins, and enterprise or private networking are generating plenty of noise. 

Blockchain and the Mobile Industry

With almost no industry untouched by blockchain-mania, what opportunities does the technology hold for the mobile industry? Recognizing the issue, the GSMA has begun to explore the applicability of its Mobile Connect, identity management proposition. And, at this year's Mobile World Congress, several mobile network operators (MNOs) bandied together to launch a collaborative approach [1].

Lessons from IoT Week Korea

I had the good fortune to attend IoT Week Korea 2015 in Seoul during the week of 26-30 October. This was a great opportunity to check in on Korea’s 2014, IoT Master Plan [1] and gauge how this leading edge country is mastering the IoT opportunity.

It was interesting to note that the corporate sponsors for this event were SK Telecom and PTC (owner of ThingWorx). PTC, of course, has made strategic and investment commitments to capitalize on what it views as a significant market opportunity.

There were two parts to the event – a sizable display zone and a full-day conference with four parallel sessions focusing on key technologies and solutions.