Looking ahead to 2024 – Sci-Tech Community Predicts Trends for the New Year
Beyond AI, Ed-Tech, quantum computing, cybersecurity and others gain ground in 2024.
Generative AI was undoubtedly the top tech story of 2023. ChatGPT was a force to reckon with over the past year, capturing the spotlight and igniting people’s imaginations of what is next. We asked some faculty and students from IE School of Science and Technology what trends they anticipate will take the fore in 2024. Highlights include developments in self-driving taxis, human-like AI, quantum computing, and other areas.
Take a closer look and what they predict will be the next hot topics.
Dae Jin Lee, Professor: Developments in Ed-Tech and digital wellbeing
“The use of technology in education is likely to expand, with more interactive and personalized learning experiences supported by AI and virtual reality, which enable more interactive and personalized learning experiences.
This topic encompasses the psychological impacts of prolonged digital connectivity and the pervasive use of social media, especially among younger generations. A notable trend in this context may be the integration of mental health considerations into the design of digital technologies. This approach aims to foster the creation of digital environments that are more conducive to mental well-being, addressing potential negative impacts right from the development phase of technology products.”
Robert Polding, Academic Director: Green economy and self-driving taxis
“The beginning of the rollout of self-driving taxis and lab-grown meat will become more popular as a green alternative to animal agriculture. In general, lots of investment in the green economy and moving away from plastic and fossil fuel products.”
Guillermo de Haro, Vice Dean of Graduate Programs: Cybersecurity and the integration of AI with humanities
“Cybersecurity. The new geopolitical challenges, the usage of AI to break codes, the increase in Cloud capabilities and in processing power, will lead to a brand new cybersecurity world”.
“Philosophy, psychology and humanities in general, precisely in connection with AI.
The profound and sudden changes that AI is bringing along require now more than ever a deep reflection and societal debate on the impact and future evolution of this technology.”
Thomas Antoine Marie Valentin, student in the Dual Bachelor of Business Administration with Data and Business Analytics: Developments in human-like AI
“Within the next year, we can expect to see the development of human-like artificial intelligence. OpenAI's new Q* project has managed to generate a semi successful artificial general intelligence (AGI) able to do reasoning which is not based on previous information, but generated from essentially nothing but itself.”
Ilia Artamonov, student in the Bachelor of Business and Data Analytics: Quantum computing
“Quantum computing is the new frontier in 2024, intriguing not just scientists but also the public. Imagine solving problems in minutes that would take years on current computers. This isn't sci-fi anymore; it's real, and it's reshaping everything from medicine to cryptography. As quantum tech gets closer to our everyday lives, it's not just exciting; it's revolutionary.”
Leana Barbion, student in the Master of Computer Science and Business Technology: Increased demand for soft skills due to AI’s automation abilities
“As the predominance of AI evolves and the ability to automate associated technical skills drastically increases, the reliance on soft skills will grow simultaneously. We will see higher investment in nurturing skills such as creativity and emotional intelligence, with an emphasis on the one thing that technology cannot yet recreate: the human connection.”