As we bid farewell to 2023, a new era is set to dawn upon the business and technology scene with 10 anticipated tech trends that are poised to elevate Australia’s outlook in 2024. These 10 tech trends are set to be driven by a convergence of disruptive forces that promise to reshape industries and redefine the way we work.
1. AI Advancements Taking Centre Stage Down Under
The world is set to witness the practical implementation of Generative AI (GenAI), moving beyond theoretical discussions. John Roese, Global CTO of Dell Technologies, predicts that the first wave of GenAI enterprise projects will reach maturity, unlocking hidden efficiencies and transforming businesses. The creative potential and problem-solving capabilities of AI will be harnessed to address real-world challenges, marking a significant shift in the Australian tech landscape.
2. IT and Security Convergence for Enhanced Resilience
As new threats emerge in 2024, Zeki Turedi, CTO Europe at CrowdStrike, foresees a convergence of IT and security teams within Australian enterprises. Traditionally operating in separate silos, these teams will collaborate closely to respond to the evolving landscape of security risks. The adoption of cybersecurity platforms tailored for IT teams will be a testament to this trend, reinforcing the need for a unified response against sophisticated cyber threats targeting both infrastructure and security.
3. Hyperscalers Driving a Real-Time Ecosystem
Australia will experience a revolution in the data analytics landscape, thanks to the collaboration between hyperscalers and AI models. Rodrigo Liang, CEO of SambaNova Systems, predicts that this collaboration will lead to real-time fine-tuning, enabling models to adapt and understand current data. This powerful ecosystem will not only enhance speed and accuracy but also result in significant improvements across various industries, including marketing, healthcare, and banking.
4. Zero Trust Models Securing the Hybrid Work Environment
With the rise of hybrid work environments, Australia will witness a renewed focus on zero trust models. Chris Peake, CISO and SVP of Security at Smartsheet, anticipates the addition of extra layers to security models, such as role-based security and time-based access. These measures will protect sensitive information while reducing barriers to access for authorised individuals, addressing the unique challenges posed by the evolving nature of work in Australia.
5. Strategic IT Spending for Business Outcomes
Facing an evolving macroeconomic landscape, Australian businesses will shift their IT spending focus towards deriving more value. Linda Yao, COO and Head of Strategy at Lenovo Solutions & Services Group, predicts a demand for flexibility and predictability in operations. This will lead to increased adoption of next-generation technology, including hybrid cloud and interconnected IT environments, as businesses tie their technology adoption to specific business outcomes.
6. Quantum Progress in the Land Down Under
Quantum progress is not a quantum leap but a strategic move in the tech landscape. Liz Centoni, EVP Chief Strategy Officer at Cisco, anticipates the adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as a software-based approach to protect data from future quantum attacks. Quantum networking is set to play a crucial role, enabling quantum computers to communicate and collaborate for more scalable solutions. The Australian government and financial services sector will invest significantly in quantum networking to meet high demands for data security.
7. Human Skills Driving AI Uptake in Australia
NTT’s 2023 Global CX Report emphasises the importance of human skills in the AI landscape. Despite the increasing integration of AI into customer experiences, human intervention remains critical. Sashen Naidu, VP of CX Services at NTT Ltd, suggests that as enterprises explore automation, there will be a greater emphasis on closing skills gaps. Reskilling and upskilling initiatives will become integral to Australia’s tech strategy, ensuring a workforce equipped with the skills needed for the AI-driven future.
8. Social Engineering Challenges Down Under
Australia will grapple with the continued rise of social engineering attacks, with identity-based attacks remaining a significant threat. Zeki Turedi from CrowdStrike highlights that businesses need to educate their employees on recognising deceptive practices. Identity protection becomes crucial, and companies will focus on strengthening this weak spot to mitigate the risk of successful attacks.
9. AI and Sustainable Energy Usage in Australia
AI advancements are expected to drive increased energy usage in Australia, but Cisco’s Liz Centoni suggests a sustainable approach. Selecting smaller AI models tailored to specific use cases will help companies reduce energy consumption costs compared to general systems. The emergence of energy networking, combining software-defined networking with direct-current microgrids, will contribute to energy efficiency, offering comprehensive visibility and benchmarking for organisations across IT, smart buildings, and IoT sensors.
10. Mitigating AI Risks with Clear Guardrails
As companies deploy AI, a heightened awareness of risks will lead to targeted actions. Art Hu, CIO at Lenovo, emphasises the need for clear AI policies, processes, and tools. Ensuring the quality and fidelity of training data, along with a human-in-the-loop approach, will be pivotal in balancing the augmented intelligence provided by Generative AI. Robust governance policies, coupled with education for teams working in the AI space, will form the cornerstone of Australia’s tangible AI plans.
Our Final Say: Expect Australia’s Future To Be Filled with Exciting Technology Advancements
Australia is poised to embrace a transformative tech landscape in 2024, driven by the convergence of AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. As businesses and technology leaders align their strategies with these anticipated trends, the Land Down Under stands ready to elevate its outlook and thrive in the age of technological innovation. Want to keep up to date with Australia’s technological advancements? Be sure to visit our website often to keep yourself well-informed.