**London**: A new GSMA Intelligence report reveals that advanced connectivity and mobile technologies could significantly enhance global GDP, contributing an estimated $11 trillion by 2030, highlighting the pivotal role of digital innovations across manufacturing, financial services, automotive, and aviation sectors.
A new report from GSMA Intelligence has revealed that advanced connectivity and mobile technologies are set to significantly enhance global GDP, contributing an estimated $11 trillion by 2030. This projection represents an increase from $6.5 trillion in 2024, indicating a substantial growth from 5.8% to 8.4% of total global GDP. The report highlights the pivotal role of technology in driving economic advancements across several key sectors, including manufacturing, financial services, automotive, and aviation.
The findings, unveiled on 20 February 2025, in London, emphasise the growing importance of digital technologies in transforming enterprises and industries. Manufacturing, for instance, is projected to see a GDP increase of $2.1 trillion by 2030, leveraging innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and big data analytics. The integration of advanced connectivity solutions, particularly 5G, could deliver significant cost efficiencies, with annual savings in the manufacturing sector exceeding $400 billion by the decade’s end.
In financial services, which currently accounts for 7% of global GDP, the report forecasts a boost of nearly $900 billion in GDP as the sector adopts technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. These innovations facilitate faster task efficiencies and enhance real-time data analysis, potentially generating indirect benefits worth about $140 billion by 2030.
The automotive industry, contributing approximately 3% to the global economy, is likewise undergoing rapid transformation. Predictions conclude that by 2030, digital technologies could elevate its GDP by nearly $600 billion as it moves towards connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles. The anticipated adoption of 5G is crucial, particularly in supporting smart factories and autonomous operations, which could translate to annual savings of $45 billion.
Aviation, currently contributing about 1% to global GDP, is also leveraging digital innovations to improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger experiences. The report estimates a growth of $200 billion in the aviation sector’s GDP by 2030, facilitated by digital solutions such as smart airport technologies powered by IoT and AI, potentially saving airports $10 billion annually.
Pau Castells, Head of Economic Analysis at GSMA Intelligence, affirmed the report’s findings, stating, “Advanced connectivity such as 5G is unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth.” He emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration among policymakers, network operators, and enterprises to overcome barriers to adoption, highlighting the importance of addressing high implementation costs and a shortage of technical expertise.
As these industries evolve, 5G technology has been identified as a core driver of economic growth, with nearly 85% of enterprises regarding it as critical to their digital transformation strategies. The ultra-fast data transmission and reduced latency characteristic of 5G facilitate previously unattainable use cases, catalysing automation, IoT, and AI integration across various sectors.
To showcase these advancements, the GSMA Connected Industries event will be featured at MWC25 Barcelona. The event aims to demonstrate the transformative capabilities of mobile technologies, attracting a broad audience of industry professionals and technology leaders. Richard Cockle, Connected Industries lead and Head of the GSMA Foundry, noted that the exhibition will highlight innovations that enhance operational efficiency in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and transportation.
The GSMA also promotes a collaborative initiative known as Connected Communities, aimed at bringing together mobile network operators and industries to spur innovation. Members of this initiative are encouraged to participate in collaborative projects and share insights, ultimately driving digital transformation across diverse sectors.
For ongoing developments in the mobile ecosystem and to learn more about the initiatives available, further information can be accessed through the GSMA’s official website.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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