Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of emerging technologies.
• Describe the role of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship.
• Explain cloud computing and its entrepreneurial applications.
• Discuss blockchain technology and its business uses.
• Explain the Internet of Things and its applications.
• Describe big data analytics and its importance to entrepreneurs.
• Explain the importance of cybersecurity in technology-enabled businesses.
• Identify opportunities created by emerging technologies.
• Evaluate risks and challenges associated with emerging technologies.
• Explain how entrepreneurs can strategically adopt emerging technologies.

Introduction

Technological development is continuously changing the way businesses operate and compete. New technologies are being developed, improved, combined, and adopted at increasing speed. Entrepreneurs who understand these developments can identify new opportunities, create innovative products and services, improve business processes, and develop competitive advantages.

Emerging technologies are technologies that are still developing or becoming more widely adopted and have the potential to significantly influence industries, organizations, consumers, and society. Some technologies may be relatively new, while others may have existed for years but are now becoming commercially important because of improvements in computing power, connectivity, data availability, infrastructure, or affordability.

For entrepreneurs, emerging technologies should not simply be viewed as sophisticated technical tools. Their real importance lies in the business problems they can solve and the new forms of value they can create.

Artificial intelligence can help businesses analyze information and automate activities. Cloud computing can provide flexible access to computing resources. Blockchain can support trusted digital records and transactions. The Internet of Things can connect physical objects to digital systems. Big data analytics can help entrepreneurs understand complex patterns and make better decisions. Cybersecurity protects the digital systems on which these businesses increasingly depend.

The successful entrepreneur therefore needs to understand both the opportunities and limitations of emerging technologies.

Meaning of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies are new or developing technologies that have the potential to create significant changes in business, society, industries, or consumer behavior.

The term does not necessarily mean that the technology was recently invented.

A technology may have existed for many years but become an emerging business technology because its costs have fallen, its capabilities have improved, or businesses have discovered new applications.

For example, artificial intelligence has existed as an academic field for decades, but recent developments in computing power, data availability, and machine-learning techniques have dramatically expanded its commercial applications.

Characteristics of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies often have several characteristics.

They may develop rapidly, making it difficult for businesses to predict their long-term capabilities.

They may also create new markets while disrupting existing ones.

In addition, emerging technologies often require new skills and may create uncertainty regarding regulation, ethics, security, and business models.

Entrepreneurs therefore need to balance innovation with careful evaluation.

Why Emerging Technologies Matter to Entrepreneurs

Emerging technologies can create entrepreneurial opportunities by solving existing problems in new ways.

An entrepreneur may identify a slow, expensive, or inefficient process and use technology to redesign it.

For example, a business that traditionally requires customers to visit a physical office may develop a digital platform that allows customers to complete the process remotely.

Emerging technologies can also allow small businesses to compete with larger organizations by giving them access to sophisticated capabilities without requiring them to build everything internally.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, refers to technologies that enable computer systems to perform tasks that traditionally require aspects of human intelligence.

These tasks can include recognizing patterns, processing language, making predictions, generating content, identifying objects, and supporting decision-making.

AI has become increasingly important to entrepreneurship because it can be incorporated into many business activities.

Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs can use AI throughout the business lifecycle.

During opportunity identification, AI can help analyze market information.

During product development, AI can assist with research, design, testing, and personalization.

During marketing, AI can help businesses analyze customer behavior and create targeted campaigns.

During operations, AI can automate repetitive tasks and identify inefficiencies.

During customer service, AI-powered systems can respond to common questions.

This makes AI potentially useful across almost every functional area of a business.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence in which computer systems learn patterns from data and use those patterns to make predictions or decisions.

Instead of explicitly programming every possible situation, the system is trained using data.

For example, an online retailer can use historical purchasing data to identify products that customers are likely to purchase together.

This can support product recommendations.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI refers to AI systems capable of producing new content based on patterns learned from existing data.

It can generate:

• Text.
• Images.
• Audio.
• Video.
• Software code.
• Summaries.
• Ideas.
• Other forms of digital content.

Entrepreneurs can use generative AI for activities such as drafting marketing content, developing product concepts, preparing customer communications, generating prototypes, and assisting with research.

However, generated information should be reviewed because AI systems can produce inaccurate, incomplete, biased, or inappropriate outputs.

AI in Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots can respond to frequently asked customer questions.

For example, an online store can use an AI system to answer questions about opening hours, delivery processes, product availability, or return procedures.

This can reduce the workload of customer-service employees.

However, customers should have access to human assistance when issues become complex or sensitive.

AI in Marketing

AI can help entrepreneurs analyze customer behavior and improve marketing activities.

For example, an entrepreneur can analyze previous customer interactions to identify which types of products different customer groups prefer.

AI can also support personalized recommendations and marketing communication.

The entrepreneur must nevertheless ensure that customer data is handled responsibly.

AI in Financial Management

AI can support financial activities such as:

• Forecasting.
• Expense analysis.
• Fraud detection.
• Financial reporting.
• Cash-flow prediction.
• Credit assessment.

For example, an entrepreneur may analyze historical sales patterns to estimate future cash requirements.

AI does not eliminate the need for financial expertise.

Rather, it can provide additional analytical support.

AI in Human Resource Management

AI can assist with certain recruitment and workforce-management activities.

It may help organize applications, identify qualifications, schedule interviews, or analyze workforce information.

However, entrepreneurs should be careful about algorithmic bias.

If an AI system is trained on biased historical data, it may reproduce or amplify discriminatory patterns.

Human oversight remains important.

AI Risks

Artificial intelligence creates several risks.

These include:

• Inaccurate outputs.
• Bias.
• Privacy concerns.
• Intellectual-property issues.
• Cybersecurity risks.
• Overdependence on automated systems.
• Lack of transparency.
• Poor decision-making.

Entrepreneurs should establish appropriate controls when using AI.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing resources and digital services through networks, particularly the internet.

Instead of purchasing and maintaining all computing infrastructure themselves, businesses can access resources from cloud service providers.

These resources may include:

• Computing power.
• Storage.
• Databases.
• Software.
• Networking.
• Security services.
• Data analytics tools.

Importance of Cloud Computing to Entrepreneurs

Cloud computing can reduce the need for large upfront infrastructure investments.

A startup can begin with relatively limited computing resources and increase capacity as the business grows.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs because demand can be uncertain during the early stages of a business.

Cloud Scalability

Scalability is one of the major advantages of cloud computing.

If an online business experiences rapid growth, it may need additional computing resources.

Cloud systems can allow businesses to increase capacity without necessarily purchasing and installing additional physical servers.

This supports business expansion.

Cloud-Based Collaboration

Cloud systems allow employees to access shared resources from different locations.

This supports remote work and geographically distributed teams.

Employees can collaborate on documents, manage projects, communicate with customers, and access business applications through internet-connected devices.

Cloud Computing Business Models

Cloud computing supports several service models.

Infrastructure as a Service

Infrastructure as a Service, or IaaS, provides computing infrastructure such as virtual machines, storage, and networking.

The entrepreneur has greater responsibility for configuring and managing the operating environment.

Platform as a Service

Platform as a Service, or PaaS, provides an environment for developing and deploying applications.

This can reduce the amount of infrastructure management required by software entrepreneurs.

Software as a Service

Software as a Service, or SaaS, provides software applications through the internet.

Customers generally access the software through a browser or application and may pay subscriptions.

Cloud Computing Example

Consider an entrepreneur developing an online learning platform.

Instead of purchasing expensive servers, the entrepreneur uses cloud infrastructure.

As the number of students increases, computing resources can be increased.

The platform can store learning materials, student information, assessments, and analytics in cloud-based systems.

This allows the entrepreneur to focus more on developing the service rather than maintaining physical infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Risks

Cloud computing also introduces risks.

Businesses may become dependent on service providers.

Internet connectivity becomes important.

Service interruptions can affect business operations.

There may also be concerns regarding data protection, access controls, contracts, and security.

Entrepreneurs should therefore evaluate cloud providers carefully.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a type of distributed digital ledger technology that records transactions or other information across a network.

The technology uses cryptographic techniques and a structured chain of records to support the integrity of information.

Blockchain became widely known through cryptocurrencies, but its potential applications extend beyond digital currencies.

How Blockchain Works

A blockchain records information in blocks that are linked together.

When information is added to the system, participants in the network may verify it according to the rules of the blockchain.

Once information is recorded, changing it can be difficult depending on the design of the system.

This can support trust in environments where multiple parties need to share records.

Blockchain and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs can explore blockchain applications in areas such as:

• Supply-chain tracking.
• Digital identity.
• Financial services.
• Asset ownership.
• Intellectual property.
• Digital certificates.
• Record management.
• Tokenized assets.

The value of blockchain depends on whether its characteristics actually solve a business problem.

Blockchain in Supply Chains

Blockchain can be used to record information about products as they move through a supply chain.

For example, information about production, transportation, storage, and delivery could be recorded in a shared system.

This may improve traceability.

A food business could potentially use such technology to help trace the movement of products from producers through distribution channels.

Blockchain and Digital Identity

Blockchain technology can potentially support digital identity systems.

Instead of repeatedly providing documents to different organizations, individuals could use digital identity systems that allow appropriate verification.

The design of such systems must carefully consider privacy and security.

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are programs stored on blockchain systems that automatically execute predefined actions when specified conditions are satisfied.

For example, a smart contract could be designed to release a payment when a particular condition is verified.

This can reduce the need for some manual processes.

However, smart contracts must be carefully designed because programming errors can create significant consequences.

Blockchain Limitations

Blockchain is not automatically the best solution for every business problem.

Potential limitations include:

• Technical complexity.
• Scalability challenges.
• Energy considerations for some blockchain designs.
• Regulatory uncertainty.
• Integration difficulties.
• User adoption challenges.
• Data privacy concerns.

Entrepreneurs should therefore avoid adopting blockchain simply because it is fashionable.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, commonly called IoT, refers to networks of physical objects equipped with sensors, software, connectivity, or other technologies that allow them to collect and exchange data.

These objects can include:

• Vehicles.
• Machines.
• Appliances.
• Wearable devices.
• Agricultural equipment.
• Industrial equipment.
• Smart buildings.

IoT and Entrepreneurship

IoT creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop connected products and services.

A traditional physical product can become a connected product by adding sensors and communication capabilities.

This can create new revenue opportunities.

For example, a manufacturer could sell equipment and provide customers with a monitoring service based on data generated by the equipment.

IoT in Agriculture

IoT can support precision agriculture.

Sensors can collect information about:

• Soil moisture.
• Temperature.
• Humidity.
• Weather conditions.
• Crop conditions.

Entrepreneurs can use this information to develop services that help farmers make better decisions.

For example, an irrigation system could use soil-moisture information to determine when watering is necessary.

IoT in Manufacturing

Manufacturing businesses can use connected sensors to monitor machines.

Data can indicate changes in temperature, vibration, or performance.

This can support predictive maintenance.

Instead of waiting for a machine to fail, a business may identify signs of potential failure and schedule maintenance earlier.

IoT in Logistics

Connected devices can support logistics by monitoring:

• Vehicle locations.
• Temperature.
• Cargo conditions.
• Delivery routes.
• Fuel consumption.

This can improve visibility throughout the transportation process.

Smart Homes and IoT

Entrepreneurs can create smart-home solutions that connect appliances and systems.

Examples include:

• Smart lighting.
• Smart security systems.
• Smart thermostats.
• Smart energy meters.

These technologies can create convenience, security, and energy-management opportunities.

IoT Risks

IoT systems create significant security concerns.

Every connected device can potentially become an entry point into a network.

Poorly secured devices can expose customer or business information.

Entrepreneurs therefore need to consider security when designing IoT products rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Big Data

Big data refers to very large, complex, and rapidly generated datasets that may be difficult to process using traditional methods.

The value of big data is not simply the amount of information collected.

Its value comes from the ability to analyze information and use the resulting insights to improve decisions.

Characteristics of Big Data

Big data is often described through several characteristics.

Volume

This refers to the large amount of data generated.

Velocity

This refers to the speed at which data is generated and processed.

Variety

Data can exist in many forms, including text, numbers, images, videos, transactions, sensor data, and social-media information.

Veracity

This refers to the quality and reliability of data.

Value

This refers to the useful business or organizational value that can be extracted from data.

Big Data and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs can use large datasets to identify customer trends, understand markets, optimize operations, and develop new products.

For example, an online retailer can analyze millions of customer interactions to identify purchasing patterns.

This information can help determine product recommendations and inventory requirements.

Customer Analytics

Customer analytics involves analyzing customer information to understand behavior and preferences.

Entrepreneurs may examine:

• Purchase frequency.
• Average spending.
• Product preferences.
• Website activity.
• Customer retention.
• Geographic patterns.

This can support segmentation and personalization.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics uses historical and current data to estimate possible future outcomes.

For example, a retailer can use previous sales patterns to forecast demand.

An entrepreneur can then use the forecast to plan inventory.

Predictions are not guarantees.

They depend on the quality of data and the assumptions used by analytical models.

Prescriptive Analytics

Prescriptive analytics goes beyond predicting what may happen and considers what actions might produce better outcomes.

For example, a system may recommend how much stock should be ordered based on expected demand, current inventory, supplier lead times, and costs.

This can support managerial decision-making.

Data-Driven Entrepreneurship

Data-driven entrepreneurship involves using evidence and analytics to identify opportunities and make business decisions.

Instead of relying entirely on assumptions, entrepreneurs can test hypotheses using data.

For example, an entrepreneur may believe that customers prefer one product package over another.

Rather than relying solely on personal opinion, the entrepreneur can conduct a controlled market test and compare customer responses.

Data Quality

Poor-quality data can produce poor decisions.

Common data problems include:

• Missing information.
• Duplicate records.
• Incorrect values.
• Outdated information.
• Inconsistent formats.
• Biased datasets.

Entrepreneurs should therefore establish appropriate data-quality practices.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, applications, devices, and information against unauthorized access, misuse, disruption, alteration, or destruction.

As businesses become more digital, cybersecurity becomes a core entrepreneurial responsibility.

A cyber incident can result in financial loss, operational disruption, legal problems, and reputational damage.

Cybersecurity and Startups

Startups are sometimes targeted because they may have valuable information but limited security resources.

A new business may collect customer information, payment information, employee records, intellectual property, and business plans.

Protecting this information should therefore begin early.

Common Cyber Threats

Entrepreneurs should understand threats such as:

• Phishing.
• Malware.
• Ransomware.
• Password attacks.
• Social engineering.
• Data breaches.
• Website attacks.
• Insider threats.
• Payment fraud.

Understanding these threats allows entrepreneurs to establish appropriate controls.

Phishing

Phishing involves deceptive communications designed to trick individuals into revealing information or performing harmful actions.

An attacker may send a message that appears to come from a trusted organization.

The message may request a password, payment, or other sensitive information.

Employee awareness is therefore an important cybersecurity control.

Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that can prevent users from accessing systems or information and may demand payment from victims.

Businesses should maintain appropriate backups and security controls to reduce the impact of ransomware incidents.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication requires users to provide more than one form of verification.

For example, a user may enter a password and then confirm their identity through another authentication method.

This can significantly strengthen account security.

Data Backup

Backups provide copies of important business information.

A reliable backup strategy can help businesses recover after accidental deletion, hardware failure, cyberattacks, or other incidents.

Backups should be protected from unauthorized access and tested periodically.

Cybersecurity by Design

Cybersecurity should be incorporated into systems from the beginning.

Entrepreneurs should not wait until after launching a digital product to consider security.

Security should be considered during:

Planning → Design → Development → Testing → Deployment → Maintenance

Emerging Technology and Business Innovation

Emerging technologies can support innovation by enabling entrepreneurs to develop new products, services, processes, and business models.

For example, AI can transform customer service.

IoT can transform physical products.

Blockchain can transform transaction and record systems.

Cloud computing can transform IT infrastructure.

Big data can transform decision-making.

The entrepreneur’s task is to identify where technology can create meaningful value.

Technology Convergence

Technology convergence occurs when different technologies are combined to create new capabilities.

For example, an agricultural business could combine:

IoT sensors + Cloud computing + AI + Data analytics

Sensors collect information from farms.

Cloud systems store the information.

Analytics processes the data.

AI identifies patterns and produces recommendations.

The combined technologies can create a sophisticated agricultural-management service.

Technology and Business Model Innovation

Emerging technologies can change not only products but also the way businesses make money.

A manufacturer may traditionally sell equipment once.

With IoT, the manufacturer may sell equipment and provide ongoing monitoring as a subscription.

This changes the revenue model from one-time sales to recurring revenue.

Technology Adoption Strategy

Entrepreneurs should adopt emerging technologies strategically.

A useful approach is to ask:

What problem exists?

The entrepreneur identifies a genuine business or customer problem.

Can technology solve it?

The entrepreneur determines whether technology can provide a meaningful solution.

What value will it create?

The entrepreneur estimates financial, operational, customer, or strategic benefits.

What will it cost?

The entrepreneur evaluates development, implementation, training, maintenance, and security costs.

What risks exist?

The entrepreneur considers technical, legal, financial, ethical, and operational risks.

How can it be tested?

The entrepreneur conducts a pilot before committing significant resources.

Pilot Projects

A pilot project is a limited implementation designed to test whether a technology works effectively before full deployment.

For example, a retailer considering AI-powered customer support could first introduce the system for frequently asked questions.

The entrepreneur can measure customer satisfaction, response accuracy, costs, and employee feedback.

If the results are positive, implementation can be expanded.

Build, Buy, or Partner

Entrepreneurs often face a choice between developing technology internally, purchasing an existing solution, or partnering with another organization.

Build

Building internally provides greater control but can require significant technical expertise, time, and investment.

Buy

Purchasing an existing solution can be faster but may provide less customization.

Partner

Partnerships allow businesses to combine capabilities.

The appropriate choice depends on strategic importance, resources, technical complexity, and cost.

Technology Skills

Emerging technologies require appropriate skills.

An entrepreneur does not necessarily need to become an expert programmer in every technology.

However, the entrepreneur should understand the technology well enough to make informed business decisions.

Important capabilities include:

• Digital literacy.
• Data literacy.
• Strategic thinking.
• Technology evaluation.
• Cybersecurity awareness.
• Innovation management.
• Change management.

Digital Talent

Entrepreneurs may need specialists such as:

• Software developers.
• Data analysts.
• Cybersecurity professionals.
• Cloud engineers.
• AI specialists.
• UX designers.
• Digital marketers.

Small businesses may not be able to employ all these specialists permanently.

They may therefore use consultants, freelancers, technology partners, or managed services.

Ethical Considerations

Emerging technologies raise important ethical questions.

AI may influence decisions about employment, finance, healthcare, or access to services.

Data analytics may create privacy concerns.

IoT devices may collect information about people’s activities.

Blockchain applications may create questions about identity and ownership.

Entrepreneurs should therefore consider not only what technology can do but also what it should do.

Responsible Technology Adoption

Responsible technology adoption means implementing technology while considering its effects on customers, employees, society, and the environment.

Entrepreneurs should consider:

• Privacy.
• Security.
• Fairness.
• Transparency.
• Accessibility.
• Environmental impact.
• Human oversight.

This approach can strengthen trust and reduce long-term risks.

Environmental Impact of Technology

Technology can create environmental benefits but can also consume significant resources.

Data centers require electricity.

Electronic devices require raw materials.

Old devices create electronic waste.

Entrepreneurs should therefore consider energy efficiency, responsible procurement, device lifecycles, recycling, and sustainable technology practices.

Emerging Technologies and Competitive Advantage

Technology can create competitive advantage when it allows an organization to provide greater value than competitors.

However, technology itself is rarely a permanent advantage because competitors may eventually adopt similar solutions.

Sustainable advantage often comes from combining technology with unique data, strong processes, customer relationships, organizational capabilities, intellectual property, and business expertise.

Example: AI-Powered Customer Service Startup

Imagine an entrepreneur identifies that small businesses struggle to respond quickly to customer inquiries.

The entrepreneur develops an AI-powered customer-service platform.

The platform can answer frequently asked questions, organize customer requests, and transfer complex cases to human employees.

Businesses pay a monthly subscription.

The startup uses cloud infrastructure to deliver the service.

Customer interaction data is analyzed to improve the system.

Cybersecurity controls protect customer information.

In this example, several emerging technologies work together to create a digital business.

Example: IoT Agricultural Enterprise

An entrepreneur develops affordable sensors for small farms.

The sensors collect soil moisture and environmental information.

The data is transmitted to a cloud platform.

Analytics identify conditions that may affect crops.

Farmers receive recommendations through mobile devices.

The entrepreneur earns revenue through equipment sales and a subscription service.

This example demonstrates how IoT, cloud computing, mobile technology, and analytics can be combined to create an entrepreneurial solution.

Example: Blockchain Supply-Chain Business

An entrepreneur identifies a problem involving poor traceability of agricultural products.

A blockchain-based system is developed to record important supply-chain events.

Producers, transporters, processors, and buyers can contribute information.

Customers can potentially access appropriate product-origin information.

The entrepreneur generates revenue by charging businesses for using the traceability service.

The value of the system comes from improving transparency and traceability rather than from using blockchain simply because it is a new technology.

Example: Data-Driven Online Retailer

An online retailer collects information about customer purchases, product searches, website activity, and customer feedback.

The business uses analytics to identify high-demand products.

It forecasts future demand and adjusts inventory.

Customers receive relevant product recommendations.

Marketing campaigns are evaluated based on customer response.

The entrepreneur is therefore using data as a strategic business resource.

Challenges of Emerging Technology Adoption

Emerging technologies can create significant challenges for entrepreneurs.

One challenge is uncertainty.

The entrepreneur may invest in a technology that later becomes outdated.

Another challenge is cost.

Sophisticated technologies may require specialized skills and infrastructure.

There may also be regulatory uncertainty, especially when technology develops faster than laws and regulations.

Technology Obsolescence

Technology can become outdated quickly.

Entrepreneurs should therefore avoid making technology decisions solely based on short-term trends.

Before investing, they should consider whether the technology can integrate with future systems and whether the provider has a sustainable development strategy.

Skills Shortages

A shortage of skilled professionals can make technology adoption difficult.

Entrepreneurs can address this through employee training, partnerships, outsourcing, recruitment, and collaboration with educational institutions.

Continuous learning is particularly important because digital technologies evolve rapidly.

Integration Challenges

Emerging technologies must often be integrated with existing systems.

Poor integration can create duplicate data, inefficiencies, security weaknesses, and operational problems.

Technology selection should therefore consider compatibility and interoperability.

Regulatory Uncertainty

New technologies can create situations where existing regulations are unclear or evolving.

Entrepreneurs should monitor applicable legal requirements and seek appropriate professional advice when necessary.

Ignoring regulatory issues can create significant business risks.

A Framework for Evaluating Emerging Technologies

Entrepreneurs can evaluate a technology using the following framework:

Key Takeaways

Emerging technologies are developing or increasingly adopted technologies capable of significantly changing business and society.

Artificial intelligence can support automation, customer service, marketing, analytics, product development, forecasting, and decision-making.

Machine learning allows systems to identify patterns from data and make predictions or classifications.

Generative AI can produce text, images, software code, and other forms of digital content, but its outputs require appropriate human review.

Cloud computing provides flexible access to computing resources and can reduce the need for entrepreneurs to maintain extensive physical infrastructure.

Blockchain provides distributed digital ledger capabilities and may support applications such as supply-chain traceability, digital identity, and transaction management.

The Internet of Things connects physical objects to digital networks, allowing businesses to collect information and develop connected products and services.

Big data allows entrepreneurs to analyze large and complex datasets to identify patterns, understand customers, forecast demand, and improve decisions.

Cybersecurity is essential because increased digital dependence also increases exposure to cyber threats.

Emerging technologies can create competitive advantage when they solve genuine customer problems and generate measurable business value.

Technology convergence allows entrepreneurs to combine multiple technologies to create more powerful products and services.

Entrepreneurs should evaluate emerging technologies according to business value, cost, scalability, security, skills, integration, regulation, ethics, and sustainability.

Technology should not be adopted simply because it is fashionable or widely discussed. The most effective entrepreneurial use of emerging technology begins with a real problem, identifies a valuable opportunity, selects an appropriate technological solution, tests it carefully, measures the results, and continuously improves the solution.