Artificial intelligence (AI) and its various forms are anticipated to emerge as the focal point of technology in 2024, as per a recent global survey conducted by IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization, among chief technology officers and IT directors.
In the study titled “The Impact of Technology in 2024 and Beyond: An IEEE Global Study,” 350 technology leaders from the U.S., China, U.K., India, and Brazil were surveyed regarding the technologies expected to propel growth in the upcoming year.
AI, along with its subsets such as machine learning and natural language processing, stood out in the technology landscape, with 65% of respondents selecting it as one of the top three crucial tech fields for 2024.
According to IEEE Fellow Karen Panetta, generative AI has pervaded various business sectors, aiding in data collection, report generation, trend analysis, and product development. Its applications span across healthcare, marketing, cybersecurity, and manufacturing process optimization.
The widespread integration of AI across industries is projected to drive significant advancements in software development, supply chain management, and cybersecurity. The top five technologies identified by the survey participants include extended reality, cloud computing, 5G networks, and electric vehicles.
The report emphasizes the expanding utilization of AI in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, transportation, and energy. Advanced AI applications and algorithms are poised to streamline data optimization, automate intricate tasks, and facilitate decision-making akin to human cognition.
Potential AI applications highlighted in the study encompass real-time cybersecurity monitoring, automation of supply chain and warehouse operations, support for software development, expedited recruitment processes, and hastened drug discovery.
While AI promises to revolutionize software development and cybersecurity, enhancing efficiency, security, and resilience, it also poses new cybersecurity challenges. Concerns include the rise of deepfakes, sophisticated social engineering attacks, and AI-driven identification of software vulnerabilities.
5G networks are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing AI growth by reducing latency, accelerating data transfer speeds, and enabling widespread connectivity for smart devices. This infrastructure enhancement will empower AI systems to process and respond to real-time information more effectively.
Furthermore, ongoing advancements in quantum computing are poised to unleash a new era of AI systems. The synergy between quantum computing and AI is anticipated to drive transformative technological progress, fostering the development of robust AI and scalable algorithms.
Despite the immense potential of AI, IEEE experts stress the importance of responsible AI advancement with human oversight. The study underscores AI’s role as a key economic driver and technological frontrunner in 2024 and beyond.
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