Challenges, Trends, and the Future of Big Data

Introduction Big data has transformed industries, economies, and societies, enabling unprecedented insights and efficiencies. However, as we stand at the crossroads of technological evolution, the future of big data is shaped by emerging challenges, innovative trends, and transformative technologies. This chapter explores the hurdles and opportunities that lie ahead, focusing on edge computing, quantum computing, sustainability, AI ethics, and predictions for the next decade. By examining these areas, we aim to inspire and prepare readers for a dynamic and responsible big data ecosystem. Emerging Challenges in Big Data Data Volume and Velocity Overload The exponential growth of data—projected to reach 180 zettabytes by 2025—strains storage, processing, and analytical systems. Real-time applications, such as autonomous vehicles and IoT devices, demand low-latency processing, pushing traditional cloud architectures to their limits. Centralized systems struggle to handle the velo...