It’s a familiar scenario: the buzz surrounding the latest technology trends prompts lively discussions within organizations. Today, nearly every company is grappling with the question of how to leverage the potential of generative AI and other emerging technologies. However, generative AI is just one of many trends vying for attention and investment.
Consider the phenomenon of super apps as a case in point. These comprehensive application ecosystems offer users a one-stop solution for all their needs within a specific domain, accessible through a unified interface and login. This paradigm shift challenges the conventional approach where users rely on multiple apps to fulfill different tasks, even those that are closely related.
The initial success stories of super apps emerged primarily within the realms of e-commerce and deliveries. Marketplaces expanded their offerings to include financial services, messaging platforms, and communication tools. Likewise, food delivery and transportation companies integrated mini-applications for seamless payments, collections, and service exchanges. In some instances, we’ve witnessed the evolution of chat applications into platforms facilitating property purchases—a testament to the versatility and maturation of the super app concept.
Maintaining a Rational Approach
The prevalence of certain topics within organizations, despite their applicability to diverse sectors, prompts us to question: why this phenomenon persists? One contributing factor is the consensus among numerous market reports that companies across all industries stand to benefit from embracing all-in-one solutions in the digital age. Moreover, the pressure mounts with the availability of optimistic data. Gartner projects that by 2027, over 50% of the global population will use multiple super apps daily.
Does this imply that we should immediately delve into developing a killer app, the cornerstone of such ecosystems, or align ourselves with existing ones?
In situations characterized by hype, urgency escalates, particularly when competitors or affiliated entities are already immersed in the subject matter.
It is precisely at this juncture that a pragmatic approach is warranted, entailing a comprehensive analysis supported by strategic partners like Making Sense.
Transitioning from Emotional to Rational Decision-Making
Engaging in a discovery task serves multiple purposes. Not only does it facilitate an assessment of the opportune moment to embrace emerging trends, but it also aids in identifying strategic initiatives and investments that promise to enhance organizational value, drive significant cost savings, optimize operations, boost profitability, or even catalyze market disruption—a hallmark of super apps.
An integral aspect that demands attention is the evaluation of challenges associated with the adoption of hyped technologies.
In our examination, pertinent queries arise: Is the organization amenable to sharing customer data within the ecosystem? What are the terms and conditions governing such data sharing? How will data transmission be managed? What privacy protocols are in place? What level of trust exists among ecosystem participants?
Investment decisions should be made only after a meticulous evaluation of the pros and cons, identification of concrete use cases, and analysis of the projected organizational benefits.
After all, while fads may fade, judicious investments in digital technologies pave the path for sustained leadership and future resilience.