Quantum leap

A: The past two decades have seen a quantum leap in globalization and outsourcing.

B: Indeed, however, increasing protectionism has cast a shadow on the future in that regard.

Note: This term refers to “a significant improvement or crucial development in something.” Originally coined as “quantum jump” in the mid-1900s in the field of physics to signify a sudden transition from one energy state to another within an atom, within a decade, the expression expanded to denote other significant advancements, not always abrupt but nonetheless vital ones.