Developing and expanding digital infrastructure: A major strategy mentioned is increasing digital connectivity and infrastructure to support emerging technologies like AI, IoT, etc. Rolling out robust digital connectivity across a large region or country is an immense challenge that requires huge investments of time and money. Laying cables/optic fibers underground or erecting cell towers requires permissions and dealing with regulations. Remote and rural areas may be difficult and expensive to connect. Keeping the infrastructure up to date with the latest technologies is an ongoing process.

Skill development and talent crunch: For industries and society to fully leverage emerging technologies, a large pool of skilled talent is required – software engineers, data analysts, AI specialists, IoT experts, etc. Developing such skills at a massive scale through education and training programs is a gradual process that will take many years. In the interim, there is likely to be a severe talent crunch which can hamper growth plans. Retraining the existing workforce is another challenge area. Attracting and retaining top global tech talent is also a challenge for many regions.

Data privacy and security challenges: With the explosion of data being collected, transmitted and stored, risks of data breaches, leaks, thefts grow exponentially. Ensuring privacy and security of citizen data as per regulations like GDPR is a complex task. Developing robust security protocols, preventing insider threats, keeping vulnerabilities patched requires constant vigilance and upgrades in technologies and processes. Data localization laws also present compliance complexities.

Reliance on global tech giants: Many emerging technologies are currently dominated by a handful of global corporations like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc in terms of patents, market share and expertise. Over-reliance on such companies for technology, skills and resources could present economic and political vulnerabilities in the long run. It is important to develop local champions but that is difficult and time-consuming. Partnerships and transfer of knowledge need to be managed carefully.

Resistance to change and digital disruption: Widespread adoption of advanced technologies threatens many existing jobs, skills, business models and legacy infrastructure. That inevitably leads to resistance to change from various entrenched quarters which need to be overcome through education, incentives and compassionate handling of societal disruption. Not everybody finds it easy to adapt to new technologies and ways of working.

Ethical and legal challenges: Technologies like AI, automation, biometrics also present some thorny ethical issues around accountability, bias, privacy, surveillance, human oversight which need addressing through appropriate legal frameworks and oversight bodies. With technologies outpacing regulations, these challenges may intensify going forward. Addressing societal concerns over job losses and wealth concentration is another long term task.

Affordability barriers: While technologies promise many benefits, costs of devices, networks, subscriptions remain high for common citizens in most countries which affects accessibility and inclusion goals. Universal availability at affordable rates requires rational policies and subsidies but those solutions have resource and budgetary implications. The digital divide across income segments persists as a ongoing challenge.

Regional differences in readiness: The baseline conditions and capabilities vary greatly across different regions/countries in their ability to harness emerging technologies. Factors like existing infrastructure, education levels, innovation ecosystems, socio-economic development stages play a role. A one-size-fits-all approach may not work and localized, incremental strategies customized for each region’s realities may be more effective but complex to plan and roll out.

While emerging technologies offer immense opportunities, their sustained adoption and impact face multifarious practical challenges around infrastructure, skills, resources, mindset change, policy frameworks and socio-economic inclusiveness. It is a complex, long drawn transformation process requiring meticulous planning, coordination and concerted efforts from all stakeholders over many years to overcome these barriers and truly realize the vision of a tech-enabled future society and economy. Concerted global cooperation is equally important to succeed in this mission.