The Era of Intangible Assets: A $10 Trillion Boom in Global Investment

A recent surge in investment in intangible assets has reached a record high of $10 trillion in 2025, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This boom in investment in software, data, and research is largely driven by the expansion of the artificial intelligence industry. In Argentina, companies like Sofka, which has received investment from prominent venture funds, are leading the charge in this area, developing cutting-edge technology in areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Although China was excluded from the study, it's worth noting that investment in intangible assets has grown exponentially worldwide. In fact, since 2008, investment in intangible assets has grown at a 3.5% annual rate in real terms, while investment in tangible assets has only grown at a 0.98% annual rate over the same period. This suggests a significant structural shift in the global composition of investment.

According to WIPO data, 57% of global GDP is concentrated in 29 economies studied, including the United States, the European Union, and Japan. In terms of the distribution of investment in intangible assets, the United States leads the pack with an investment of nearly $5 trillion in 2025, followed by Japan and Germany. India, Japan, and the Philippines also stand out for their accelerated growth in investment in intangible assets over the past few years.

While the boom in investment in intangible assets is global, it's also worth noting that this trend has local implications. In Argentina, for example, companies focused on artificial intelligence and software development can benefit from this trend. This also forces local investors to rethink their investment strategy and consider options that align with the new reality of the global economy.

In summary, the boom in investment in intangible assets is a global phenomenon that should be considered by local investors and entrepreneurs. Companies that are preparing for this trend are well-positioned to take advantage of this growing market. However, it's also important to remember that investment in tangible assets remains important, especially in contexts where tangible assets continue to be a key source of value.