Whether you’re doing more of the same, innovating incrementally or radically, there are no safe bets when it comes to entrepreneurship. It’s easy to follow along and just do what others are doing because you don’t want to stay behind. But remember one thing: Innovators are the early adapters.

I have a friend who’s having trouble deciding on whether or not to pursue an idea she has. She’s banging her head against the wall trying to come up with reasons for not pursuing her idea. She asked me for advice, and I told her: Bet on an inevitable trend.

Specifically, I was talking about the digitalization of everything. She’s operating in Mexico, which is notoriously slow to adopt technology. Still, it’s going to happen. The question to ask: is the timing right?

Anyway, there are trends, and then there are inevitable trends. Inevitable trends are those that are certain will happen. For example, one such trend is digitalization and automation. At least in the modern world, these trends are inevitable; but they will take time.

Kevin Kelly wrote about the 12 forces that will shape our future in his book The Inevitable. The book is 7 years old, and a few of his observations are playing out in the world. One key observation is how artificial Intelligence and online filters will define how things work and who we are in the future. AI will cognify objects. It means it will make them intelligent. Therefore, an enormous amount of data will be produced by these devices. To benefit from this data, we would need to filter it.

Whether you agree with him or not, it’s worth thinking about his thoughts and what he believes is inevitable.

10 Inevitable Trends

Various technologies are driving the next economy, but you should expand your perspective and look at trends beyond technology. With that said, here are ten trends that are widely considered inevitable:

1. Continued technological advancement: The rapid pace of innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and computing is expected to continue, leading to further disruptions and transformations across various industries and aspects of society.
2. Aging population: As life expectancy increases and birth rates decline in many developed countries, populations are aging, putting pressure on healthcare systems, social security programs, and labor markets.
3. Urbanization: More people are moving to cities, driven by economic opportunities and access to amenities, leading to the growth of megacities and challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and sustainability.
4. Climate change and environmental concerns: The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events, are anticipated to intensify, prompting the need for mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.
5. Automation and workforce disruption: As automation and artificial intelligence continue to advance, many jobs and industries are likely to be disrupted, leading to potential job displacement and the need for reskilling and workforce adaptation.
6. Shift towards a digital economy: The integration of digital technologies into various aspects of the economy, including e-commerce, remote work, and digital services, is expected to accelerate, transforming business models and consumer behavior.
7. The growing importance of data and cybersecurity: With the increasing reliance on digital systems and the generation of massive amounts of data, data privacy, security, and governance will become even more critical concerns for individuals, organizations, and governments.
8. Changing demographic patterns: Trends such as declining fertility rates, increasing migration, and shifts in family structures are reshaping population dynamics, and impacting social and economic policies.
9. Rise of the sharing economy: The sharing economy, facilitated by digital platforms and changing consumer preferences, is likely to continue growing, disrupting traditional ownership models and promoting access over ownership for various goods and services.
10. Increasing focus on sustainability and responsible practices: Concerns about environmental impact, social responsibility, and ethical business practices are driving changes in consumer behavior, corporate strategies, and regulatory frameworks, promoting more sustainable and responsible practices across industries.

These trends are driven by various factors, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, economic forces, and changing societal values and priorities. While their specific impacts and timelines may vary, they are expected to shape the future significantly.

Bottom line: As an entrepreneur, there are many ways to get business ideas. One is to take advantage of trends. It’s easier than asking people about their problems or trying to bring science fiction to life.