The Tech Challenges and Developments that are Shaping 2024

Technology has become indispensable to daily life and processes, to the point where removing it would cause serious disturbances for people all over the world, as well as businesses, the economic system, and healthcare.

Apart from these use cases, tech has also been increasingly used for entertainment, including online shopping and movie streaming. As tech continues to grow and develop, so do all the business sectors worldwide, but there are still bumps in the road that must be overcome.

While some of the issues will make for more difficult implementation processes, others come from the developments themselves, as technological evolution increases the incidence of issues such as data security, the propagation of false information, and surveillance.

Artificial Intelligence 

AI is the most controversial but also the most well-known new technology at the moment. It has really been picking up speed since last year and will become even more important in the future.

The technology’s vast potential has been polarising among members of the general public, and while some are ready to welcome it with open arms due to its ability to exceed human capacities across several different fields, there are also those who are worried about its potential to disrupt markets and lead to massive unemployment.

There’s also the possibility of singularity, a scenario that seems straight out of sci-fi novels and motion pictures but which could, in fact, take place. 

At the same time, most argue that AI was inevitable in the sense that the evolution of technology would always lead to this point and that the tech is also essential to push the boundaries of what humanity can achieve.

Right now, generative AI technologies can write code and resumes, write essays, and hold believable conversations. Some AI systems have created images used as fake news, while others have shown that they are able to lie and deceive humans.

When it comes to artificial intelligence, the main issue is that the modules can learn incorrect patterns, a phenomenon known as AI hallucinations. 

However, there’s no denying the fact that artificial intelligence will become an integral part of most industries, including those that might not seem like they have anything to do with it, such as construction work. It can enhance various aspects, including efficiency, productivity, and safety.

Sustainability 

As the effects of global warming and climate change become more obvious, an ever-growing number of people are concerned about the future. Biodiversity loss, droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather events have unfortunately become quite common, and they have caused severe difficulties for vulnerable people from all over the world who are now at increased risk of food insecurity, poverty, and disease due to lack of water.

Can tech help in this regard, and is it likely that this will be one of the use cases of the technology in the near future? The short answer is yes. 

One of the most straightforward examples is the implementation of clean energy solutions on a broader scale. To achieve this, adequate infrastructure becomes a must so that all society can make the switch from fossil fuels.

The concept of smart cities is another idea that can only be achieved with the help of technology. These urban centers add digital features and solutions to already existing services and networks so that all inhabitants can benefit from more efficient processes, such as better transportation and infrastructure control, more effective energy usage, less pollution, and improved quality of life.

Technology can also help within the agriculture sector, making farms not just more profitable but also safer. 

Sustainability also improves recruitment processes by attracting and retaining talent in companies. Everyone knows how complex this endeavor is, and that working towards sustainability means that an ever-growing number of people will want to work for and invest in your company. The younger demographics are also more likely to apply for jobs in enterprises that show they are committed to the creation of a better future. Improved staff retention also means higher profitability, as the team becomes proficient at their tasks, which fosters development.

Tech research can find solutions to the impact of climate change on crops by making them more resistant to pests and diseases. Using technology will also help farmers establish the most optimal planting times, have a better idea about how to protect the soil’s health, and create a system that will use water sustainably. 

Spatial and Quantum 

Both spatial and quantum computing seemed like far-fetched ideas not long ago but are now closer than ever to becoming a commonplace reality. Quantum computing is a complex, multidisciplinary field that comprises numerous aspects of physics, mathematics, and computer science.

As the name implies, it employs quantum mechanics to solve intricate problems much faster than standard computers. This technology can be used to boost machine learning, enhance weather forecasting, improve cybersecurity, create better solar capture technologies, and assist in the discovery of electronic materials. With such a large number of use cases, it is clear that quantum computing will become more common. 

But what about spatial computing? This technology refers to all the tools and processes employed in capturing, interacting, and operating 3D data. It relates to blending data from the surrounding world, and while the entire tech sounds incredibly futuristic, it is actually achievable.

By 2033, the market size is expected to be over $700 billion and integrate AR, VR, and AI, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Some researchers have predicted that the impact of this tech entering the market in full force will be similar to the introduction of smartphones. 

Platform Engineering 

A platform engineer is in charge of designing, building, and maintaining software development platforms. The discipline enables self-service capabilities for organizations operating in the cloud industry, and the rise of this industry is expected to lift some of the burden placed on software developers and find ways to make systems more resilient.

Platform engineers can also anticipate the needs of application lifecycles to develop more comprehensive solutions. The complexity of the software is reduced, while the applications are better equipped to handle the demands and align themselves with the needs of the systems. 

Platform engineering is set to boost business value through the development and integration of reusable tools and by upgrading the software development processes. The speed of integration will be quite rapid, with estimations saying that by 2026, roughly 80% of corporations will have full-fledged platform engineering teams. 

Genomics

Genomics is the study of an organism’s genetic material, and although this sounds straightforward enough, it will undoubtedly create a revolution across the world. Agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability in general will benefit most from advancements in this field.

The complete human genome contains three billion pairs of DNA, which are arranged in a unique way and provide each individual with the fundamental anatomy as well as their individual characteristics like hair color or height. Many diseases, including chronic, life-altering, and potentially deadly ones, are caused by alterations or aberrations of the genes that cannot be discovered by other means.

But genomics is able to identify the alterations through the means of genetic tests. In agriculture, the field will improve both the quality and quantity of production, something that is becoming an incredibly pressing demand given that climate change and global warming often damage crops through a mixture of flooding, droughts, worsening soil quality, and a higher incidence of pests. All of these factors make for an ever-growing number of people who are likely to suffer from food insecurity.

Through genomics, crop breeding can be enhanced to select the most resilient traits that will allow the plants to survive and thrive, so that the yields remain consistent. Design crops that are perfectly adapted to their environments can also be introduced, so that the environment itself doesn’t need to be changed to suit them, an important part of sustainable development.

Synthetic Media

Synthetic media refers to any type of content, such as images, videos, and sound that have been either partially or fully created with the help of artificial intelligence. Virtual influencers and models have already become a reality on social media, and millions of people follow them. The opportunities are extensive, especially in areas such as entertainment, media production, and even education, but the ethical implications are hotly debated as well.

Deepfakes are one of the main concerns since anyone can create reasonably realistic content for anyone they want with the relatively simple use of software that is readily accessible to anyone. One of the most controversial uses has been in the creation of explicit material for people, especially young girls and women, without their consent. Such an event can lead to considerable mental and emotional distress for the victims, and as of now, it can be a challenge to prosecute the culprits even if they’re identified due to a lack of specific legislation for such cases.

Another potentially dangerous misuse of the technology refers to the creation of material depicting politicians in various positions or making claims that they never actually made. This is essentially a type of fake news that can even be weaponized to undermine the national security of countries and erode democracies and public trust.

Conclusion

The tech landscape is ever-developing and evolving. It is naturally challenging for most individuals and businesses to keep up with the developments, but it is a necessity to foster growth and ensure that the developments see adequate use and don’t fall into the wrong hands.