You’ve heard it before – technology is changing faster than ever.
But where is it headed in the next few years? Each year, research firm Gartner releases their famous Hype Cycle report, outlining the emerging technologies that are poised to transform business and society.
This year’s report covers some exciting developments, from AI and quantum computing to augmented reality and digital twins.
In this post, we’ll give you a sneak peek at Gartner’s 2024 Hype Cycle.
You’ll get the inside scoop on the technologies making waves, along with expert analysis on which ones show the most promise – and which still have some maturing to do.
We know you’re eager to find out what’s on the horizon, so let’s dive right in!
A Brief History of Gartner
Gartner started in 1979 as a research and advisory company focused on the IT industry.
Three former IBM employees, Gideon Gartner, David Stein and Peter Sondergaard, founded the company.
They aimed to provide unbiased insight and advice to business and technology leaders.
In the 1980s, Gartner grew quickly by offering syndicated research reports and advisory services.
They launched their annual Gartner Symposium conference, now called Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo.
By the 1990s, Gartner had become the world’s leading IT research and advisory company.
Gartner went public in 1993 and continued expanding its research into areas like business process management, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning.
In the 2000s, Gartner acquired several other research and consulting firms to strengthen its expertise in areas like supply chain management, marketing, and digital commerce.
Today, Gartner remains the world’s leading research and advisory company with over 15,000 employees across 100 locations worldwide.
They provide unparalleled insight and advice to executives and leaders in technology, finance, marketing, supply chain, HR, and other business functions.
Their research reports and consulting services cover every major industry and business function.
Gartner’s success stems from a simple but powerful core mission: to deliver the timely, objective insights and advice that leaders need to make critical business and technology decisions with confidence.
For over 40 years, Gartner has built a reputation for independence, objectivity and quality in research and advice.
That enduring mission and brand promise will guide Gartner’s growth for decades to come.
Overall, Gartner has had an impressive four-decade journey to become the world’s leading research and advisory company.
With a timeless mission and brand, Gartner seems poised to continue shaping how executives and leaders make critical technology and business decisions well into the future.
Gartner’s Key Research Areas in 2024
Gartner is focused on several key areas of research that are shaping technology and business in 2024.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning AI and machine learning continue to drive major changes.
From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI is embedded in more areas of life and work.
Gartner’s research helps companies determine how and where to implement AI for maximum benefit.
Cloud Computing
The cloud computing market has exploded, and companies have more options than ever for storing data and running applications in the cloud.
Gartner’s cloud research provides insights into cloud service providers, security issues, costs, and how companies can best leverage cloud technology.
Digital Business
As companies transform into digital businesses, Gartner offers research and advice on digital marketing, ecommerce, customer experience, and other topics key to success in a digital world.
Staying on the cutting edge of digital innovation is essential for companies to thrive.
IT Infrastructure
Gartner conducts extensive research on all aspects of IT infrastructure, including data centers, networking, communications equipment, and endpoint devices.
Their insights help IT leaders make strategic infrastructure decisions and navigate new technologies like 5G wireless networks.
Emerging Technologies
Gartner identifies the most important emerging technologies that will impact businesses in the coming years.
Their research on trends like virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, quantum computing, and more helps companies understand how these technologies may influence their industries and start preparing for them.
With dedicated research teams focused on AI, cloud, digital business, infrastructure, and emerging tech, Gartner is uniquely positioned to provide technology companies and users with the actionable insights they need to gain a competitive advantage in 2024 and beyond.
Their research and analysis have become indispensable for any organization navigating the fast-paced world of technology.
Gartner’s Most Influential Technology Trends for 2024
As we enter 2024, Gartner has identified several technology trends that are shaping the world.
Some of these you may have heard of, while others are still emerging onto the scene.
Staying on top of these innovations will help you and your business thrive in the coming years.
Artificial Intelligence Gets Practical
AI has been a buzzword for years, but now companies are finding real-world applications that streamline processes and enhance experiences.
Chatbots and virtual assistants are handling more basic customer service queries.
AI is optimizing supply chain management, detecting fraud, and powering predictive analytics for businesses.
On the consumer side, AI powers recommendation engines, automated driving features in vehicles, and adaptive learning platforms for education.
AI will continue to become deeply embedded in both enterprise and consumer technologies over the next few years.
Quantum Computing Begins to Accelerate
While still quite new, quantum computing is an exciting field that could solve certain problems much faster than traditional computers.
Some of the first applications will be in finance, pharmacology, and materials development.
As tech giants continue pouring money into quantum computing research, expect more breakthroughs and potentially some early commercial applications in the coming years.
However, widespread mainstream use is still quite a few years off.
Edge Computing Brings Processing Power Closer to the Action
Rather than sending data to a central location for processing, edge computing pushes computing power physically closer to the source of the data.
This could be in cars, home appliances, cameras, or other devices.
The benefits are faster response times, reduced bandwidth needs, and improved security.
Early applications of edge computing include smart speakers, self-driving vehicles, and smart home devices.
Over the next few years, more of our data processing will happen at the edge rather than in distant data centers.
The future is exciting, with technology poised to transform both businesses and daily life over the next few years.
Staying on the cutting edge of trends like AI, quantum computing, and edge computing will help ensure you’re ready for what’s next.
The innovations of today will become the foundations of tomorrow, so keep your eye on the emerging technologies that Gartner has identified as most influential.
Gartner’s Top Strategic Technology Predictions for 2024
AI and Machine Learning Go Mainstream
Over the next few years, AI and machine learning will become widely adopted by businesses.
Many companies have started experimenting with AI, but by 2024 Gartner predicts 70% of enterprises will be experimenting with or have deployed AI in some form.
AI assistants, predictive analytics, and automated processes will all become mainstream.
As AI tools get easier to use, more businesses will implement them to gain a competitive advantage.
AI can help optimize business processes, improve the customer experience, and enable data-driven decision making.
However, with increased use of AI comes risks around bias, job disruption, and privacy concerns that companies will need to manage.
5G Will Transform How We Live and Work
5G wireless networks will start to roll out on a larger scale by 2024, enabling new capabilities that will change how we live and work.
5G provides faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect many more devices at once.
This will enable new technologies like smart cities, autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and more.
5G will also transform how businesses operate.
Workers will become increasingly mobile as they can connect to networks nearly anywhere.
Companies can implement smart warehouses, connected robots, and other automated systems that rely on fast, reliable connectivity.
However, the rollout of 5G brings security and privacy risks that must be addressed.
Businesses will need to reevaluate their network security strategies to protect against new threats.
Decentralized Finance Goes Mainstream
Decentralized finance, or DeFi, utilizes blockchain technology to provide financial services without the need for centralized financial institutions.
Gartner predicts DeFi applications will start going mainstream by 2024.
People will be able to borrow, lend, and invest money in a peer-to-peer fashion using blockchain-based platforms.
DeFi has the potential to disrupt traditional finance by eliminating middlemen like banks.
It can provide more transparent and efficient financial services.
However, DeFi is still a nascent industry and brings risks around security, regulation, and volatility that will need to be managed as it becomes more widely adopted.
Businesses will want to monitor how DeFi develops to determine how it may impact their operations or whether they can benefit from implementing DeFi applications.
Gartner Events and Conferences to Attend in 2024
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo
This is Gartner’s flagship event of the year, with over 10,000 attendees flocking to Barcelona for four days of keynotes, workshops, and networking.
As Gartner’s largest symposium, you’ll get access to their leading IT experts and a chance to connect with executives and leaders in your field.
The 2024 theme is “architecting a better future,” focusing on how IT can enable business growth in an age of digital disruption.
Gartner Data & Analytics Summit
If you work with data in any capacity, the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit is a must-attend.
Over three days in London, you’ll hear the latest insights and strategies for extracting value from data and gaining a competitive edge.
Sessions cover topics like AI and machine learning, data governance, data science and more.
You’ll also get to see the finalists in Gartner’s annual Data and Analytics Excellence Awards.
Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference
For IT infrastructure and operations leaders, this conference provides strategic guidance on technologies like cloud computing, automation, and digital infrastructure.
The 2024 event will be held in Las Vegas and address how to optimize IT infrastructure investments to accelerate digital business initiatives.
Keynotes and sessions will offer advice for building a modern digital infrastructure, leveraging hybrid cloud, and reimagining IT operations.
Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo
The Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo brings together marketing leaders from around the world to discuss best practices, challenges, and new opportunities in an era of digital marketing.
The 2024 conference in San Diego will focus on topics such as customer experience management, digital commerce, marketing analytics, and more.
It’s a chance for chief marketing officers and other marketing executives to learn from industry experts, gain actionable insights, and build connections with their peers.
With a variety of summits and symposiums on offer, Gartner has an event to suit every IT leader and role.
Attending one of their premier conferences is a great way to stay on the cutting edge of technology and business trends so you can architect a better future for your organization.
See you there!
