Discover Gartner's vision for 2024 with the top 10 strategic technology trends shaping the future

Gartner's IT Symposium/Expo in Orlando recently unveiled the ten strategic technology trends expected to drive significant disruption and opportunities for IT leaders over the next 36 months. As technology continues to advance, adopting a disciplined approach to widespread technology use and risk management is essential. These top 10 Gartner strategic technology trends are set to revolutionize various industries and provide unique growth prospects.

1. Democratized Generative AI:

Generative AI (GenAI) is becoming more accessible and widespread due to the prevalence of pre-trained models accessible via cloud computing and open-source technology. By 2026, Gartner predicts that over 80% of enterprises will have implemented some form of generative AI APIs, models, or applications in production. This marks a significant increase from less than 5% recorded earlier this year.

2. AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management (TRiSM):

The growing accessibility of AI technology necessitates AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management, abbreviated as TRiSM. Without these safeguards, AI models can produce detrimental outcomes that offset their benefits. AI TRiSM tools empower businesses with ModelOps, proactive data protection and security, and monitoring capabilities.

3. AI-Augmented Development:

AI-augmented development involves utilizing machine learning, generative AI, and other AI technologies to assist software engineers in application design, coding, and testing. These tools enhance developer productivity and enable teams to meet the rising demand for business-critical software efficiently. They also free up engineers to focus on more strategic activities like application design, leading to faster and more innovative software development.

4. Intelligent Applications:

Intelligent applications are capable of responding autonomously based on learned adaptation, increasing the efficiency and reliability of automated work processes. As the talent landscape shifts, the demand for intelligent applications grows. CEO surveys indicate that AI is set to significantly affect industries in the coming years. These applications are a solution to the talent shortage, enabling businesses to achieve dynamic and efficient outcomes.

5. Augmented-Connected Workforce:

The augmented-connected workforce (ACWF) strategy aims to optimize the value delivered by human workers, leveraging intelligent applications and workforce analytics. ACWF enhances the workforce's experience, well-being, and skill development, and, in turn, drives business results and positive stakeholder impact. Gartner predicts that by 2027, at least 25% of CIOs will employ the ACWF initiative to expedite the competency of key roles by 50%.

6. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM):

Continuous Threat Exposure Management is a systematic approach to assess and manage the accessibility, exposure, and exploitation risk of digital and physical assets. Focusing on specific projects and threat vectors helps organizations identify vulnerabilities and unmatchable threats more effectively.

7. Machine Customers:

Machine customers, known as "custobots," are nonhuman economic actors capable of autonomously negotiating and purchasing goods and services in exchange for payment. Gartner anticipates that by 2028, there will be 15 billion connected products capable of behaving as machine customers, with more to follow.

8. Sustainable Technology:

Sustainable technology comprises digital solutions that support long-term ecological balance and human rights. Given growing concerns about the environmental impact of technologies like AI, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing, organizations must prioritize sustainable IT. Gartner predicts that, by 2027, a quarter of CIOs will have their compensation linked to sustainable technology impact.

9. Platform Engineering:

Platform engineering involves building and operating self-service internal development platforms designed to optimize productivity and enhance the user experience. These platforms, created and maintained by dedicated product teams, interface with tools and processes to expedite business value creation.

10. Industry Cloud Platforms:

Industry cloud platforms combine Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offerings to create industry-tailored products. They include capabilities such as industry data fabrics, libraries of business functions, and composition tools.