Technology vision 2024: High tech's perspective

In brief

• The 2024 Technology Vision report highlights four trends showing technology's increasing humanity-driven design.

• We examine the report from the perspective of the high tech industry, which plays a crucial role in both adopting new technologies and developing supporting infrastructure.

• As we humanize technology, we must also address ethical concerns, responsible AI, security and people.
  

The relationship between humans and technology is at an inflection point

In the upcoming years, businesses will have access to more advanced technology. This will include machines that can perform tasks on our behalf, including intelligent tools that will change how we use information and software, and the integration of digital and physical worlds. Even futuristic concepts like brain-computer interfaces are already being used in the business world.

One common thread among all these technologies is their increasing human-like capabilities. High tech companies have a unique role in this area. As adopters, they will use it in their own organizations, showcasing their innovation to others. As enablers, they will assist in building the necessary ecosystem to provide personalized solutions to their customers quickly and on a large scale.

Our report, Technology Vision 2024, reveals that leaders in all industries see a chance to make technology more human, which can lead to greater human potential. High tech companies must consider how to create the necessary infrastructure to power technology while also prioritizing its human aspect.

A match made in AI: Reshaping our relationship with knowledge

People are asking generative AI chatbots for information – transforming the business of search today, and the futures of software and data-driven enterprises tomorrow.

According to 92% of high tech executives, there will be a shift in the way we interact with data. Instead of just searching for information, we will be able to ask questions and get immediate answers. This is expected to have a major impact on how businesses operate. In addition, 86% of high tech executives believe that within the next 3 years, this technology will greatly impact their organization's processes. 

As our interaction with information changes, high tech companies will need to update their technology systems with a strong digital core. Most leaders in the industry agree that generative AI will force businesses to modernize their technology. This presents a great opportunity for the high tech industry.

Meet my agent: Ecosystems for AI

AI is taking action, and soon whole ecosystems of AI agents could command major aspects of business. Appropriate human guidance and oversight is critical.

AI is transitioning from being generators of ideas to agents that can act together and complement humans to accomplish specific tasks.​ 95% ​of high tech executives agree that the capabilities of AI are expanding, moving from assisting to acting independently.

This will lead to the emergence of agent ecosystems, where autonomous AI agents will work together to achieve organizational goals. High tech executives also agree that leveraging these agent ecosystems will bring significant opportunities in the next three years.

The space we need: Creating value in new realities

The spatial computing technology landscape is rapidly growing, but to successfully capitalize on this new medium, enterprises will need to find its killer apps.

Spatial computing allows us to create exciting experiences by combining our separate realities and merging the digital and physical worlds. According to 90% of high tech executives, spatial computing can create immersive experiences that feel like real spaces, offering a realistic alternative to in-person experiences.

Companies that incorporate 3D digital interactions and user-directed experiences can gain a competitive edge through spatial computing.

Our bodies electronic: A new human interface

A suite of technologies – from eye-tracking to machine learning to BCI – are starting to understand people more deeply, and in more human-centric ways.

Emerging technologies can understand and adjust to people, instead of people having to adjust to them. According to 92% of high tech executives, human interface technologies can help us understand human behavior and intentions, which will change how we interact with machines.

It is essential for high tech companies to consider the significance of this trend during the R&D process, as they play a vital role in developing safe and credible human interface technologies that enhance the customer experience with their products and services.

Positive engineering: Our technology crossroads

The world is currently at a significant turning point in technology. The high tech industry has revolutionized our world and has the potential to shape the future of business.

As companies continue to grow and innovate, they must also consider the potential negative consequences, such as a rise in fraud, misinformation, and security breaches. Creating tools without human intelligence or conscience can not only harm profits, but also have a negative impact on society's well-being.

In the age of technology, enterprise products and services have great potential to impact lives and communities. This creates a delicate balance between acting quickly and carefully, considering potential competition and differing regulations.

As we make technology more human-friendly, we must view security as a means of building trust rather than a limitation. This approach, known as "positive engineering," requires us to consider ethical concerns such as inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, and more. Ultimately, we must find a balance between what we can achieve with technology and what we desire as individuals.

The opportunity is here now: Learn and lead at the same time.

The high tech industry has the potential to lead this revolution. It holds a unique position as both the driving force behind its adoption and the global computing infrastructure that is shaping our future today.