04/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 4, 2025 theSunday Special XI

Businesses no longer just need money to succeed; they need people who can think critically, solve complex problems and drive innovation.”

Future of wealth is knowledge F k

WE are entering an era where tal ent, intellectual capital and ac cess to knowledge will define economic success. Traditional financial power alone will not be enough – those who can think, adapt and innovate will lead the way. For individuals, this means pri oritising lifelong learning and skills W lea

Knowledge is fast becoming the world’s most valuable currency.

Global divide: Knowledge Haves vs. Have-nots A V ZLWK DQ\ HFRQRPLF VKLIW WKHUH LV D ULVN RI JURZLQJ LQHTXDOLW\ -XVW DV ¿QDQFLDO ZHDOWK created divides in the past, access to knowledge is now determining economic winners and losers. • Developed nations that have invested in education, digital infrastructure and research are accelerating ahead. • Emerging economies with strong tech and innovation ecosystems, like India and China, are positioning themselves as global leaders in knowledge-based industries. • Countries that fail to adapt, those still dependent on outdated economic models, risk falling into a new kind of poverty: knowledge poverty. The same divide is happening within businesses and individuals. Companies that upskill their employees will thrive, while those that neglect talent development will struggle to keep up. Workers who continuously learn and adapt will stay in demand, ZKLOH WKRVH ZKR UHVLVW FKDQJH PD\ ¿QG WKHPVHOYHV UHSODFHG E\ DXWRPDWLRQ

development. For businesses, it means investing in human capital as much as in technology. For governments, it means ensuring that access to knowledge is widespread and inclusive. We have spent centuries defining wealth by material assets.

Now, the true measure of prosperity is shift ing and knowledge, not money, will be the currency of the future.

Bobby Varanasi is a respected global thought leader in globalisation, economic sustainability, and business transformation. Recently, he won the Innovation Leadership Award at the World Innovation Congress 2025.

Companies that upskill their employees will thrive, while those that neglect talent development will struggle to keep up.