Technologies no longer seem like news. Many have remained part of our daily lives for years, yet time doesn’t stand still: shifts in the social, financial, and market landscapes drive new solutions - or even new ways of using existing ones.

 

Alter Solutions and act digital bring forth relevant data and our expertise to identify technological trends that will impact strategies and businesses in 2024.

 

Enjoy the read!

 

 

1. Quantum Computing: reshaping the technological frontier

Quantum Computing represents a groundbreaking approach to calculation, leveraging principles from fundamental physics to swiftly resolve highly intricate problems. Presently, it’s in a stage of development and experimentation: not yet widely accessible or
applicable on a commercial scale, but substantial advancements are underway.


According to the 2023 Quantum Technology Monitor, the four industries likely to witness the initial economic impact of quantum computing – automotive, chemical, financial services, and life sciences – could potentially gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035.


In the upcoming years, key players in quantum computing, alongside a select group of startups, will steadily increase the number of qubits their computers can support. Progress is expected to be gradual: McKinsey estimates that by 2030, only about 5,000
quantum computers will be operational. The hardware and software required to tackle the most complex problems may not materialise until 2035 or later. 

 

  Read more about Quantum Computing as a trend in our eBook.

 

 

2. Cloud and Edge Computing as business levers

By 2024, the synergy between Cloud Computing and Edge Computing with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is predicted to reshape technological landscapes—and we wholeheartedly believe it will!


Cloud technology has surged in popularity in recent years and, looking ahead, it will stand as the primary solution integrating technologies that propel businesses and enterprises across various sectors. The cloud adds value to processes, enabling scalable software delivery and ensuring enhanced performance.


On the other hand, Edge Computing is a cloud-related paradigm where information is processed as close as possible to its collection point. Hence, the provision of smaller, energy-efficient processors, algorithms with superior memory efficiency, and advanced networks like 5G will contribute to reduced latency at the edge and increased scalability.

 

In 2024, according to the latest Gartner report, global investments in Cloud services are projected to grow by 20.4%, reaching a total of $678.8 billion. Regarding Edge Computing, Gartner forecasts that over 55% of all deep neural network data analysis will occur at the capture point in an edge system by 2025, up from 10% in 2021.

 

  Read more about Cloud and Edge Computing as trends in our eBook.

 

 

3. Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence join forces

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging software-based technology used to automate organisational processes. According to the “Forecast Analysis: Robotic Process Automation, Worldwide” report by Gartner, by the end of 2022, over 90% of large organisations will have implemented some form of RPA automation.


The RPA software market is projected to surpass $3 billion by 2024. This surge comes as more organisations seek to manage the use of various technologies, tools, and platforms to automate business processes, aiming for strategic outcomes.

 

By 2024…

Further insights from Gartner indicate that 95% of RPA providers will offer automation through APIs and user interface integration. Additionally, around 80% of corporate customers that have implemented assisted automation, primarily on a desktop, will shift to a broader user experience, encompassing web interfaces, mobile, and voice devices.

 

The process automation through RPA can be a crucial prerequisite for the introduction of AI in the corporate world. Generative AI for synthetic data creation is rapidly growing, easing the burden of acquiring realworld data for efficiently training machine learning models. By 2024, Gartner predicts that 60% of data for AI will be synthetic to simulate reality, future scenarios, and risk AI, up from 1% in 2021.

 

  Read more about RPA and AI as trends in our eBook.

 

 

4. Phygital convergence in various ecosystems

Practically speaking, Phygital convergence relates to how companies combine physical and digital elements to provide a richer, integrated consumer experience.


The Conversational Messaging report by Twilio reveals that 77% of consumers want to use conversational messages for product or service selection assistance; 58% would use messaging channels to make a purchase if given the option; 80% of consumers desire brands to offer conversational messaging-style interactions; and 95% of consumers say they would trust a brand more if starting a conversation with it were easier.


As a company, we recognize this trend happening when the phygital connection integrates with hyperpersonalization that uses data and Artificial Intelligence. This concept has been applied across various sectors such as retail, advertising, fashion, education, and even healthcare. A practical example of phygital is seen in e-commerce, where many companies invest in online shopping experiences that mimic the feel of being in a physical store, using resources like 3D images, augmented reality, and interactive videos.

 

Phygital represents a new frontier for humantechnology interaction, a trend set to evolve in the coming years, further transforming various sectors and how we consume and even learn.

 

 

5. Cybersecurity: the key weapon against threat exposure

The supply chain has become an enticing target for cyberattacks, potentially causing significant financial and operational losses for various companies, ranging from raw material suppliers to retailers.


Cyberattacks have demonstrated that even major companies with IT experts can become paralysed and endure days of damage. This issue is playing an increasingly critical role, especially in logistics and supply chain management, as cybercriminals can access sensitive data due to the growing interconnectedness and digitisation of businesses. For instance, an IBM report reveals that the average costs of a data breach in the industry exceed $3 million.


Not falling behind, threat exposure management is considered one of the cybersecurity trends. Gartner predicts that by 2026, about 60% of threat detections, investigations, and responses will benefit from exposed data control to validate and prioritise detected threats.

 

This control is implemented within the domain of Threat Intelligence, one of the most efficient responses against hackers. It helps in understanding attackers, responding more quickly and efficiently to incidents, and proactively predicting the next move of criminals, benefiting companies of all sizes. Additionally, adopting an intelligence service reduces risks, prevents data breaches, and maintains reduced costs. 

 

Global spending on Security and Risk Management grows by 14% in 2024

Privacy data and cloud security spending are forecasted to have the highest growth rates in 2024, each segment increasing by more than 24% year after year.

 

  Read more about cybersecurity as a trend in our eBook.

 

 

6. Sustainable technology: Green IT as the future

In 2024, the collective focus remains steadfast: on one side, companies and their professionals prioritise developing more sustainable technologies and reducing their carbon footprint. On the other, consumers increasingly favor green solutions in their
daily lives as a means of minimising their personal impact on the environment.

 

Here are some examples of green technologies expected to grow in 2024:

  • Green Cloud Computing
    Specifically, the use of public clouds contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and electricity consumption, increasingly adopted by businesses.

  • Eco-friendly transport
    Apart from popular electric vehicles, innovations like hydrogen fuel cells, sustainable aviation fuels, and the use of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) for suggesting safer and more efficient routes are gaining ground.

  • Green gadgets
    Technology users have more options to reduce their environmental footprint, from smartphones made with recycled materials to biodegradable accessories.

  • AI and its derivatives
    AI algorithms are increasingly used to optimise smartgrids, agricultural practices, and weather predictions, contributing to more effective resource management.

  • Circular economy technologies
    Capturing and Storing Carbon (CCS) stands out. This set of technologies captures carbon dioxide produced in large factories and power plants, preventing its release into the atmosphere. 

 

  Read more about Green IT as a trend in our eBook.

 

 

7. Big Data: the power of data automation

Forbes magazine says that “data is the new oil,” due to its prominence in the current technological world. Simply consider that, in 2023, around 3.5 exabytes were produced daily, and the trend is upwards for 2024.


Therefore, it’s only natural for companies that swiftlyand  proactively adapt to the data revolution to gain a competitive advantage.


What developments can we expect in the Big Data domain in the near future?

  • Real-time processing
    The volume of information collected by technologies like IoT is so substantial that, until now, over 40% of this data went unutilised. In 2024, this paradigm is expected to shift thanks to Edge Computing innovations enabling real-time data processing, preventing data from being stored and losing relevance.

  • Increased automation
    AI and Machine Learning algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, allowing faster processing of complex data. This enables companies to automatically identify patterns, trends, and anomalies, leading to better decision-making.

  • Embracing hybrid clouds and multi-cloud
    Businesses placing their data in such solutions ensure greater flexibility and faster information access. It also enhances security in the event of a cyberattack, as data
    is distributed across various clouds.

  • Integration of data analytics with Augmented Reality (AR)
    Visualisation of data increasingly enables better understanding. The application of AR in data analytics opens new possibilities for both consumer entertainment and professional use among data analysts collaborating across different parts of the world.

  • Data democratisation
    Expected as one of the strongest trends in 2024, it involves companies providing business information to all employees, including those not working directly with data. This aims to instill the capacity for data analysis in all professionals, irrespective of their technical background, to foster greater efficiency and productivity.

  • Data lakes
    Centralised, limitless storage repositories that allow organisations to store vast amounts of data for later analysis. 2024 will witness significant investments in this solution, with an estimated annual growth rate of 22.4% until 2028.

 

  Read more about Big Data as a trend in our eBook.

 

 

8. Technological partnerships with Africa and Latin America

Brazil – Latin America bridge

In 2023, Brazil secured the top position in the Global Innovation Index within the Latin American context. This recognition signifies, on one hand, increased investment in technology and innovation policies in 2024. On the other hand, it indicates closer ties with neighboring countries, namely Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Ecuador. How?

  • Host of two key Latin American events
    In 2024, Brazil will host for the first time two crucial Latin American events on open data: the Open Meeting for an Open Region (AbreLatam) and the Regional Conference for Open Data in Latin America and the Caribbean (Condatos). Both aim not only to disseminate technological knowledge but also to foster partnerships for collaborative work in the field.

  • Strengthening international representation at South Summit Brazil 2024
    The next edition of the event focused on promoting innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Brazil expects a “significant increase” in the presence of foreign delegations, aiming to strengthen commercial ties with other countries.

Europe – Africa bridge

In July 2023, the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) adopted an Innovation Agenda aiming to increase resources for European and African professionals and innovators. This initiative contributes to the generation of products, services, companies, and jobs in four priority areas:

  • Innovation and Technology
  • Green Transition
  • Public Health
  • Capacity for Science

The IT industry marks the beginning of this Innovation Agenda, signifying that 2024 is an essential year for kickstarting this digital transformation partnership. Some of the planned measures include:

  • Supporting cooperation between technology companies from both continents, employing specific work models (like Nearshore), and using digitization and AI as cross-cutting elements.
  • Backing technology and innovation hubs and developing IT professionals’ skills, fostering knowledge exchange and entrepreneurship.

 

  Read more about this and other trends in our eBook.
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