Over the past decade, our lives have undergone remarkable change, often so seamlessly that we hardly notice. Think banking apps, one-day deliveries and online doctor appointments. But how we live, work and thrive is going to change even more as this next chapter unravels—from more personalized commerce experiences to increasing prevention and precision in health care. This section dives into how technology is transforming our day-to-day.
THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN COMMERCE
Shopping is seamlessly integrating into our daily life. AI-driven personalization, omnichannel experiences, and automation will transform how consumers interact with brands. Shopping will no longer be confined to a single platform or moment. “Consumers are buying from TikTok, Instagram, Amazon, and still walking into stores for certain purchases,” says Omair Tariq, CEO of Cart.com. “This chaotic blend of online and offline shopping is the new normal, and brands must adapt.”
However, not all online channels are created equal. Mariano Gomide de Faria, co-founder and co-CEO at VTEX describes how “TikTok has revolutionized consumer engagement by integrating social interaction and shopping into one seamless experience through the ‘social loop’.” His fellow co-founder and co-CEO, Geraldo Thomaz, adds: “One example is the rise of conversational commerce, such as live shopping and personal shopper services, which have rapidly gained traction, particularly in Asia.” By 2030, consumers will move seamlessly between digital and physical worlds, watching a TikTok influencer, messaging an AI personal shopper, and completing a purchase in minutes. In fact, live shopping will hit $600 billion by 2027, fueled by the integration of AI and social media.
The Automated Storefront
Brick-and-mortar stores will transform into high-tech hubs for exploration and engagement. Robots will take over routine tasks like cleaning, inventory scanning and shelf restocking. “When customers walk into a store, they’ll have more meaningful interactions with staff, who can provide personalized assistance,” says David Pinn, CEO of Brain Corp, which creates robotic AI software that powers the largest fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operating in commercial public spaces.
By 2030, stores will evolve into spaces designed for discovery, combining the efficiency of AI with the warmth of human interaction. AI-powered systems will eliminate checkout lines, stock shelves, and optimize store layouts, turning physical shopping into a richer, more connected experience. More so, time will become the ultimate currency. Mariano Gomide de Faria called this shift “Concierge Commerce”—in which shoppers state their needs and let technology handle the rest.
THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN FINANCE
AI is changing how Americans manage, spend, and grow their money. From smarter banking to seamless payments and personalized financial coaching, technology is making finance more intuitive, secure, and inclusive. What is most empowering is the democratization of the financial system so individuals can take better control of their money and financial literacy. “Consumers expect financial institutions to meet their needs with ease, offering real-time insights and advice,” says Kirk Coleman, president of Q2.
Tools like Q2’s unified dashboards give users a single view of their finances while offering actionable recommendations tailored to their goals. AI is also transforming payments into frictionless experiences. Mastercard is leading the way, moving beyond traditional cards to enable real-time account-to-account transfers and secure cross-border payments. “This evolution has enabled us to derive and evaluate a trillion data points in real time, improving our ability to help bank and merchants make smarter decisions,” says Craig Vosburg, chief services officer at Mastercard. And what if AI could also act as your own financial advisor helping you make smarter decisions? The financial systems of tomorrow will not just process transactions, they will guide, protect, and empower. As Vosburg puts it, “By 2030, we expect the pace of digitization to accelerate further, offering consumers more payment choices and personalized experiences.” Mark Steffe, CEO of First Command Financial Services, which offers financial tools for military families, adds: “Through gamification and digital tools, we empower younger members to build stability early.”
THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN HEALTHCARE
By 2030, healthcare in the U.S. may look a lot different due to By 2030, health care in the U.S. may look a lot different due to advancements in AI, neuroscience, and microbiome research. For example, wearable technology integrated with AI will enable personalized health dashboards, providing real-time insights into sleep, diet, and exercise patterns. Jim Kavanaugh, CEO and co-founder of WWT, adds: “I believe that AI, when used thoughtfully and collaboratively, will revolutionize health care and extend into areas like longevity and biohacking. The possibilities are immense, and I am excited to see how these advancements will shape the future.”
Companies like Superpower are pioneering this approach. Co-founder Max Marchione explains, “There is a huge gap between the cutting- edge health care available to the elite, like Jeff Bezos, and what the average person receives. Since then, I’ve believed that everyone, not just a privileged few, should have access to this kind of care, and that’s what we’re building at Superpower.”
Meanwhile, Edge AI will increasingly serve the health care space with devices harnessing its advanced technology to provide continuous, clinical-grade monitoring of vital signs—offering the reliability of hospital equipment with the convenience of everyday accessories. “We're enabling solutions for an unprecedented demographic shift in global aging. We envision revolutionizing health care through next- generation wearables that transcend simple tracking devices to become sophisticated medical-grade tools,” Ambiq’s CEO Fumihide Esaka explains. In clinical research, AI is accelerating drug development through synthetic control arms and virtual twin technology, making trials faster, safer, and more inclusive. Anthony Costello of Medidata highlights, “We are working toward a future where virtual twins of patients can fundamentally transform clinical trials. These models, built from diverse patient data, can help researchers design and simulate outcomes, paving the way for trials that rely less on direct human participation.”
However, systemic challenges persist. Dr. Jordan Shlain, founder of Private Medical, warns that "medicine is slow-moving because safety is critical,” citing outdated regulations and accessibility issues. “To ensure these breakthroughs benefit all Americans, the health care system must transition from reactive, treatment-based models to proactive, prevention-focused care.”