Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to spearhead the technology industry, paving the way for transformative innovations. Gartner, a renowned research firm, has unveiled its top trends for 2024, and AI takes center stage with four prominent areas of development. In this article, we explore Gartner’s insights into AI and other key technology trends, shedding light on the future of the tech landscape.
Democratised genAI: Revolutionizing AI accessibility
The first trend on Gartner’s list is “democratised generative AI,” or genAI, a seismic shift fueled by pre-trained models, cloud computing, and open-source technologies. This development has democratized AI, making it more accessible to a broader range of enterprises and developers.
Gartner predicts that by 2026, an impressive 80% of enterprises will have adopted genAI application programming interfaces (APIs) and models, a substantial surge from the mere 5% in early 2023. This trend signifies a democratization of AI capabilities, enabling a more inclusive and widespread application of AI across various industries.
AI trust, risk, and security management (TRiSM): Safeguarding the AI ecosystem
As AI proliferates, the need for trust, risk, and security management (TRiSM) becomes paramount. AI models can inadvertently generate negative consequences that overshadow their benefits without appropriate guardrails. Gartner envisions that, by 2026, enterprises employing TRiSM controls will effectively eliminate up to 80% of faulty and illegitimate information.
This proactive approach to managing AI risks ensures the responsible and secure use of AI, mitigating potential pitfalls.
AI-augmented development
Another exciting AI-related trend is AI-augmented development, a fusion of genAI and machine learning to assist software engineers in designing, coding, and testing applications. This infusion of AI into the development process enhances productivity and empowers software engineers to focus on strategic tasks like designing compelling business applications.
Gartner anticipates that AI-assisted software engineering will be pivotal in reshaping how applications are created, providing developers with valuable support.
Intelligent applications: Adapting dynamically to user needs
In the broader landscape of technology trends, Gartner emphasizes “intelligent applications.” These applications harness various AI-based services such as machine learning, vector stores, and connected data to deliver user experiences that adapt autonomously. This adaptive intelligence responds to users’ evolving needs, enhancing applications’ overall utility and relevance.
Navigating the complex terrain of technology trends
Chris Howard, distinguished VP analyst and chief of research at Gartner, underscores the importance of a disciplined approach to navigating these technology trends. He points out that IT leaders and executives must carefully evaluate the impacts and benefits of these trends, given the rapid pace of technological innovation. Addressing associated risks and maximizing value remains a priority as AI and technology evolve.
Beyond AI: Other key technology trends for 2024
While AI is undeniably at the forefront of technology trends, Gartner also highlights several non-AI trends with significant potential impact:
- Augmented-connected workforce
Augmented-connected workforce initiatives leverage technology to enhance employee experience, well-being, and skill development. Through 2027, Gartner predicts that a quarter of CIOs will utilize such initiatives to reduce time to competency for key roles by 50%.
- Continuous threat exposure management (CTEM)
CTEM represents a transformative approach to security. It allows organizations to continually evaluate the accessibility, exposure, and exploitability of digital and physical assets. Gartner anticipates that businesses prioritizing security investments based on a CTEM approach will reduce breaches by two-thirds by 2026.
- Machine customers
Machine customers, non-human entities capable of autonomously negotiating and making purchases, are poised for growth. Gartner predicts that by 2028, 15 billion connected products will operate as customers, generating trillions of dollars in revenue by 2030.
- Industry cloud platforms (ICP
Industry cloud platforms (ICP) combine software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) solutions to target specific industries. Gartner foresees that over 70% of enterprises will embrace ICPs by 2027, accelerating their business initiatives.
- Sustainable technology
Sustainable technology remains relevant, with 25% of CIOs expected to have their compensation linked to their sustainable technology impact by 2027. This underscores the growing importance of sustainability in technology strategies.
- Platform engineering
Platform engineering, the discipline of building and operating self-service internal development platforms is another trend set to hold relevance. These platforms aim to optimize productivity, enhance user experiences, and expedite the delivery of business value.
Gartner’s top technology trends for 2024 encompass diverse developments, with AI playing a pivotal role in reshaping industries. These trends collectively represent a roadmap for enterprises and technology leaders to navigate the evolving tech landscape and harness the full potential of emerging technologies while managing associated risks.
