Enterprises are looking at innovative models that eliminate the middlemen and are leveraging digital platforms to reach the end customer.

Also, as communication and sharing of information move from a physical to a digital medium, personal data privacy, security and user control will drive the new identity authentication and management landscape.

This edition of Trends and Technology Whispers focuses on:

1. Digital Identity Management: In a hyper-connected world, digital identities with a single source of truth will become the virtual footprint for individuals globally. A rapidly digitalizing society will render static identity attributes such as usernames and passwords inefficient in preventing fraud and identity theft. A unified digital identity approach will need to be developed, combining the strengths of public and private entities to manage a robust and secure identity program at a national scale.

2. Compression of Value Chains: The compression in value chains resulting from advanced technologies, internet platforms, and other direct-to-consumer models drives a reduction in friction and the number of steps in customer journeys. Most value chain innovators have managed to reduce costs, reaching a minimum of 20% to a maximum of 50% in the last decade.