The Peruvian business fabric accelerates its digital transformation, with generative artificial intelligence as a catalyst and cybersecurity as a main challenge.
Peru is at a technological turning point. According to multiple sector analyses, including studies from EY Peru and interviews with leaders from companies such as IBM, AWS, Red Hat, and Palo Alto Networks, the year 2025 will mark the consolidation of digital transformation at the national level, with a growing maturity in artificial intelligence, cloud, big data, automation, and security. However, structural challenges—such as a lack of talent, infrastructure gaps, and cyber threats—continue to affect the speed of adoption.
The Growth of Artificial Intelligence: Between Expectation and Reality
The prominence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) remains strong for the second consecutive year. From its incorporation into customer service tools to its use in risk prediction and service personalization, AI is transitioning from a promise to a strategic, cross-cutting technology.
“2024 solidified GenAI as a key resource, but also taught us that it must be applied with responsibility, vision, and ethics,” said Kenneth Tovar, country manager of Palo Alto Networks. Peruvian companies in sectors such as banking, insurance, and retail are already showing success stories applying GenAI in production, while other industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, are progressing more slowly.
However, the rise of this technology does not come without risks: cybersecurity emerges as a critical concern. Cybercriminals’ ability to use AI to generate sophisticated attacks forces companies to rethink their protection strategies. “Adopting AI without securing digital defenses can be counterproductive,” warned Hermes Romero, director of Tenable.
Cybersecurity: The Achilles’ Heel of Transformation
In an environment where the volume and criticality of data are continuously increasing, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue; it becomes a cross-cutting management axis. “CISOs are increasingly under pressure, and their role is becoming strategic for the business,” stated Álvaro Santa María, general manager of IBM Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
The Zero Trust approach, the use of artificial intelligence for threat detection, and investments in extended detection and response (XDR) set the pace for the most advanced organizations. Nevertheless, according to EY, 62% of Peruvian companies still believe they lack the digital skills necessary for a secure transformation.
The growth of multi-cloud platforms also presents new security challenges, demanding integrated solutions and a more collaborative approach. “Security can no longer be reactive; it must be part of the strategy from the project’s inception,” emphasized Gianni Hanawa, commercial director of Cirion.
Cloud and Big Data: Technologies Already Mature in Some Sectors
Despite artificial intelligence grabbing headlines, technologies like cloud computing, advanced analytics, and big data continue to consolidate. “In sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and energy, these tools are essential to remain competitive,” explained Vanesa Salcedo, country manager of Itera Peru.
In fact, 64% of Peruvian companies are already using advanced analytics according to EY, and many are integrating predictive models and business intelligence solutions as part of their daily operations.
However, there is a clear gap between large companies (with annual revenues exceeding $500 million) and SMEs, which still exhibit low levels of digital maturity and face difficulties accessing talent and technological resources.
Digital Talent: A Race Against Time
The lack of skilled professionals in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, and cloud remains the biggest structural obstacle. Peru faces a gap of over 17,000 technology vacancies, and it is estimated that globally the deficit will reach 2.5 million people by 2026.
“Companies must invest in training and partnerships with universities to develop their own digital talent,” indicated Martín Vela, regional manager of Hitachi Vantara. Without this step, the adoption of advanced technologies risks failure or stagnation.
What to Expect in 2025: Emerging Trends and New Challenges
Beyond the consolidation of current technologies, experts predict that 2025 will be the year of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), allowing for automated decisions with auditable criteria, and distributed AI, enabling models to run efficiently in multiple locations.
Additionally, emerging technologies such as Extended Reality (XR), quantum computing, and sustainable infrastructures powered by AI to reduce carbon footprints in energy-intensive sectors will grow.
New threats will also emerge: the use of AI for cyberattacks, automated misinformation, and data exfiltration in multi-cloud environments. Companies will need to adopt more proactive measures to secure their digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
2025 will mark the beginning of a crucial decade for the Peruvian digital ecosystem. The country already shows signs of technological maturity in several key sectors, but gaps persist and could widen if not addressed decisively.
As Hugo Goicochea, CEO of CANVIA, summarizes: “Technology alone does not reach its potential. To generate true value, it must be combined with data, processes, talent, and business vision.”
The opportunity is on the table: the question is whether Peru will seize it with the agility, security, and strategy that this new era demands. Is the country ready to cross the threshold of sustainable and inclusive digital transformation?
Source: EY