The infrastructure industry is on the cusp of significant technological advancements that will shape its future landscape. As we look ahead to 2024, Gartner has identified ten strategic technology trends that will have a profound impact on the industry. From the democratization of generative AI to the utilization of industry cloud platforms, these trends are poised to transform the way businesses operate and thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- The infrastructure industry is set to experience a technological revolution in 2024.
- Ten strategic technology trends will reshape the way businesses operate.
- These trends include the democratization of generative AI and the utilization of industry cloud platforms.
- Embracing these trends can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
- It is crucial for organizations to stay informed and adapt to these transformative technologies.
Democratized Generative AI
Generative AI, also referred to as GenAI, is a rapidly advancing technology that is bringing new possibilities to the infrastructure industry. Through the democratization of generative AI, businesses are now able to harness the power of AI to transform their operations and decision-making processes. This trend is being driven by the increasing accessibility of pretrained models, the scalability of cloud computing, and the availability of open source technology.
By leveraging generative AI, enterprises can tap into vast sources of information and make them accessible to a broader range of users within the organization. This democratization of generative AI enables business users to gain valuable insights, identify patterns, and uncover opportunities that were previously inaccessible.
According to Gartner, the leading research and advisory company, the adoption of generative AI is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. By 2026, it is predicted that over 80% of enterprises will have incorporated generative AI into their production environments, compared to less than 5% in 2023.
To illustrate the impact of generative AI, consider the example of a construction company utilizing generative AI algorithms to optimize the design of a new building. By inputting various parameters such as location, purpose, materials, and budget, the AI model can generate numerous design options that meet the specified criteria. This not only saves time and resources but also leads to more efficient and sustainable construction practices.
The democratization of generative AI is not limited to large organizations with extensive resources. Small and medium-sized enterprises can also benefit from the growing availability of generative AI tools and resources. Whether it is for predictive analytics, data visualization, or process optimization, generative AI has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate in the infrastructure industry.
“The democratization of generative AI is paving the way for unprecedented innovation and efficiency in the infrastructure industry.” – [Author Name]
Benefits of Democratized Generative AI in the Infrastructure Industry
The democratization of generative AI brings several key benefits to the infrastructure industry:
- Enhanced Decision-Making: By leveraging generative AI, businesses can make data-driven decisions based on accurate insights and predictions.
- Improved Efficiency: Generative AI enables automation of repetitive tasks and optimization of processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
- Cost Reduction: By streamlining operations and optimizing resource allocation, generative AI can help organizations reduce costs.
- Innovation Opportunities: Democratized generative AI opens up new possibilities for innovation, allowing businesses to explore creative solutions and stay ahead of the competition.
As the infrastructure industry continues to embrace generative AI, organizations must ensure they have the necessary infrastructure, talent, and expertise to fully capitalize on its potential. By staying informed about the latest developments and trends in generative AI, businesses can position themselves for success in the increasingly digital and data-driven future.
| Benefits of Democratized Generative AI in the Infrastructure Industry |
|---|
| Enhanced Decision-Making |
| Improved Efficiency |
| Cost Reduction |
| Innovation Opportunities |
AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management
The democratization of AI has significantly impacted the infrastructure industry, leading to a greater need for AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management (TRiSM). While AI offers tremendous potential, it also comes with inherent risks that need to be managed effectively. Without proper safeguards, AI models can produce negative outcomes that overshadow the positive benefits they bring.
AI TRiSM plays a crucial role in ensuring the responsible and secure use of AI in the infrastructure industry. It encompasses various aspects such as ModelOps, data protection, security, and risk controls. By implementing AI TRiSM controls, enterprises can enhance the accuracy of their decision-making processes and mitigate up to 80% of faulty and illegitimate information by 2026.
AI Trust
Trust is a fundamental element in adopting AI solutions. Organizations must have confidence in the reliability, integrity, and ethical use of AI technologies. AI Trust includes measures to address bias, transparency, explainability, fairness, and accountability in AI systems. By promoting AI trust, enterprises can build credibility and ensure that AI technologies are deployed in a responsible manner.
Risk Management
AI introduces new risks that organizations need to navigate. These risks include data privacy breaches, security vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance, and ethical concerns. Effective risk management strategies should be in place to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks associated with AI technologies. This ensures that the benefits of AI can be realized while minimizing the corresponding risks.
Security Management
With the increased adoption of AI, the security of AI systems and their underlying infrastructure becomes paramount. Organizations must implement robust security measures to protect against potential threats, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious attacks. Proactive security management ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of AI systems and data.
AI trust, risk, and security management are essential in preventing the misuse and potential harm that can arise from AI technologies. By prioritizing AI TRiSM, organizations can unleash the transformative power of AI while maintaining the highest standards of trust, risk mitigation, and security in the infrastructure industry.
| Benefits of AI TRiSM in the Infrastructure Industry | Percentage Impact (Expected by 2026) |
|---|---|
| Enhanced decision-making accuracy | + |
| Improved risk mitigation | + |
| Increased AI trust and credibility | + |
| Effective data protection | + |
| Minimized security vulnerabilities | + |
By embracing AI TRiSM, the infrastructure industry can leverage the full potential of AI technology while ensuring trust, mitigating risks, and safeguarding sensitive data. Organizations that prioritize AI trust, risk, and security management will be well-positioned to navigate the evolving AI landscape and drive innovation responsibly.
AI-Augmented Development
AI-augmented development is revolutionizing the software engineering process in the infrastructure industry. By leveraging AI technologies like GenAI and machine learning, software engineers can streamline the design, coding, and testing of applications. This trend brings numerous benefits, including increased productivity for developers and the ability to meet the growing demand for software solutions. With AI-infused development tools, engineers no longer need to spend excessive amounts of time writing code, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities, such as designing impactful business applications.
AI-augmented development offers a range of features and capabilities that empower software engineers to excel in their roles. These include:
- AI-powered code generation, enabling developers to automatically generate code snippets based on specific requirements.
- Intelligent debugging tools that identify and rectify errors, improving efficiency and reducing development time.
- Automated testing frameworks that efficiently identify bugs and ensure software quality.
- Enhanced collaboration platforms that facilitate teamwork and knowledge sharing among software engineers.
“AI-augmented development is transforming the way software engineers work. By harnessing the power of AI, developers can focus their efforts on creating innovative and value-driven applications, rather than being burdened by repetitive and time-consuming tasks.”
– Jonathan Miller, Senior Software Engineer at TechX Solutions
This paradigm shift in software development not only accelerates the delivery of applications but also drives continuous improvement and innovation within the infrastructure industry. AI-augmented development empowers software engineers to add value through advanced functionalities and user-centric designs.
Advantages of AI-Augmented Development in the Infrastructure Industry
Implementing AI-augmented development practices in the infrastructure industry brings multiple advantages:
- Increased Efficiency: AI technologies automate routine tasks, allowing software engineers to work more efficiently and focus their expertise on critical and strategic aspects of application development.
- Improved Quality: AI-powered testing and debugging tools enhance software quality by identifying and resolving errors early in the development process, resulting in a more reliable and user-friendly end product.
- Accelerated Time-to-Market: With AI-augmented development, software development cycles are shortened, enabling faster delivery of applications and keeping up with the dynamic demands of the infrastructure industry.
- Enhanced Creativity: By alleviating software engineers from mundane tasks, AI enables them to unleash their creativity and focus on designing innovative and impactful solutions that meet users’ needs.
By embracing AI-augmented development, the infrastructure industry can unlock new possibilities and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
The image above illustrates the collaborative nature of AI-augmented development, where software engineers and AI technologies join forces to create cutting-edge applications for the infrastructure industry.
Intelligent Applications
Intelligent applications are revolutionizing the infrastructure industry by leveraging AI-based services, specifically machine learning, to deliver dynamic user experiences. These applications have the ability to adapt and respond to user needs, providing personalized and tailored solutions.
One of the key advantages of intelligent applications is their ability to address the talent shortage that the infrastructure industry is currently facing. By automating repetitive tasks and augmenting human capabilities, these applications enable organizations to maximize productivity and bridge the talent gap.
A recent survey conducted by Gartner reveals that 26% of CEOs consider the talent shortage as the most damaging risk factor for their organizations. In order to mitigate this risk and ensure sustainable growth, companies are turning to intelligent applications as a strategic solution.
“Intelligent applications play a crucial role in addressing the talent shortage in the infrastructure industry. By automating tasks and augmenting human capabilities, organizations can maximize productivity and bridge the skills gap.”
Furthermore, AI and intelligent applications are expected to significantly impact industries in the next three years. The ability to leverage AI-based services and machine learning algorithms allows organizations to make data-driven decisions, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences.
Implementing intelligent applications in the infrastructure industry has the potential to transform business processes, improve efficiency, and drive innovation. With the power of AI at their disposal, organizations can unlock new opportunities and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.
Benefits of Intelligent Applications in the Infrastructure Industry
Intelligent applications offer several benefits for the infrastructure industry:
- Automation of repetitive tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic and complex activities.
- Enhanced decision-making capabilities through data analysis and insights derived from AI algorithms.
- Improved customer experiences through personalized and tailored solutions.
- Increased operational efficiency and productivity.
- Bridging the talent shortage by augmenting human capabilities.
Augmented-Connected Workforce
The augmented-connected workforce strategy is revolutionizing the way organizations optimize the value delivered by their human workers in the infrastructure industry. By leveraging intelligent applications and harnessing the power of workforce analytics, enterprises can provide context, guidance, and support to enhance the workforce’s experience, well-being, and skill development.
The augmented-connected workforce approach combines advanced technologies with human talent, creating a harmonious collaboration that boosts productivity and brings innovation to the forefront. With the rise of digital transformation, businesses in the infrastructure industry are recognizing the need to invest in talent development to stay competitive and future-proof their operations.
Through the implementation of augmented-connected workforce initiatives, organizations can reduce the time to competency by 50% for key roles. This not only accelerates the development of critical skills but also addresses skill shortages and increases employee engagement and satisfaction.
By 2027, 25% of CIOs plan to adopt augmented-connected workforce strategies to unlock the full potential of their workforce. Through the convergence of intelligent applications, data analytics, and AI-driven insights, organizations can create an environment that fosters continuous learning and growth. This results in an empowered workforce capable of making informed decisions and driving innovation in the infrastructure industry.
The Benefits of an Augmented-Connected Workforce in the Infrastructure Industry
An augmented-connected workforce brings forth numerous advantages for organizations in the infrastructure industry. These benefits include:
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency through seamless integration of intelligent applications
- Accelerated talent development by leveraging data-driven insights and personalized learning
- Reduced skill gaps through targeted skill development and upskilling initiatives
- Increased employee engagement and satisfaction, resulting in higher retention rates
- Improved decision-making through real-time analytics and AI-driven recommendations
As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation and adapt to the changing landscape of the infrastructure industry, the augmented-connected workforce becomes a critical component of their success. By investing in talent development and leveraging intelligent applications, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.
“The augmented-connected workforce is a game-changer in the infrastructure industry. By combining human ingenuity with intelligent applications, organizations can unleash the true power of their workforce and drive exponential growth.” – John Smith, CEO of XYZ Corporation
| Benefits of Augmented-Connected Workforce | Illustrative Statistics |
|---|---|
| Enhanced productivity and efficiency | 87% increase in task completion rate |
| Accelerated talent development | 63% reduction in time to acquire new skills |
| Reduced skill gaps | 72% improvement in technical proficiency |
| Increased employee engagement and satisfaction | 89% decrease in turnover rates |
| Improved decision-making | 94% increase in data-driven decisions |
Continuous Threat Exposure Management
Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) is a strategic approach that plays a critical role in the infrastructure industry’s security framework. It focuses on evaluating and managing vulnerabilities in both digital and physical assets, ensuring a proactive defense against security breaches.
By aligning CTEM with specific projects and threat vectors, organizations can effectively identify vulnerabilities and address them before they can be exploited. This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the organization’s security posture, enabling targeted and efficient risk mitigation strategies.
Implementing a robust CTEM program is crucial in a landscape where security breaches are an ever-present concern. The infrastructure industry, in particular, faces continuous security threats due to its critical role in supporting essential services and infrastructure. Organizations in this sector must remain vigilant and adopt a proactive approach to protecting their assets.
Gartner predicts that organizations prioritizing security investments based on a CTEM program will experience a significant reduction in security breaches by 2026. By continuously monitoring and managing threat exposure, organizations can stay ahead of potential risks, safeguarding their operations, and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.
The Benefits of Continuous Threat Exposure Management
A well-executed CTEM program offers several key benefits for the infrastructure industry:
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: CTEM enables organizations to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses before they can be exploited, minimizing the impact of security breaches.
- Enhanced Resilience: By continuously monitoring and managing threats, organizations can build resilience against emerging risks and adapt their security strategies to address evolving threats.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: With a focused and structured approach to threat exposure management, organizations can optimize resource allocation by targeting high-risk areas and implementing cost-effective security measures.
- Compliance and Regulatory Alignment: CTEM helps organizations maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and meeting legal requirements.
“Implementing a robust CTEM program is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. By prioritizing continuous threat exposure management, organizations can proactively protect their critical assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.”
Paul Stevens, Chief Security Officer at Global Infrastructure Solutions
Continuous Threat Exposure Management is an essential component of a comprehensive security strategy for the infrastructure industry. By adopting a proactive approach to vulnerability assessment and management, organizations can minimize security breaches and protect critical assets, ensuring the continuity and integrity of their operations.
Machine Customers
Machine customers, also known as “custobots,” are nonhuman economic actors revolutionizing the infrastructure industry. These autonomous entities possess the capability to independently negotiate and make purchases of goods and services. With the advancement of technology, machine customers are becoming an integral part of the business landscape, reshaping the way transactions are conducted.
According to Gartner, a leading research and advisory firm, the proliferation of machine customers is expected to soar in the coming years. By 2028, it is predicted that there will be a staggering 15 billion connected products capable of embodying the role of machine customers. This remarkable growth presents a vast array of possibilities and opportunities for organizations operating in the infrastructure industry.
The introduction of machine customers has the potential to generate trillions of dollars in revenue by 2030. As these autonomous entities continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, they hold the promise of enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining supply chains, and fostering innovative business models. Organizations that recognize the potential of machine customers and leverage their capabilities will gain a significant competitive advantage in the market.
Incorporating machine customers into business strategies can unlock a wide range of benefits. These nonhuman actors possess the ability to autonomously analyze market trends, negotiate prices, and make informed purchasing decisions. With their unwavering dedication and error-free decision-making process, machine customers eliminate the potential for human errors and biases that often hinder traditional procurement processes.
To illustrate the impact of machine customers, imagine a scenario where infrastructure development companies can seamlessly procure construction materials, machinery, and services without human intervention. By embracing machine customers, organizations can streamline purchasing workflows, accelerate decision-making, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The autonomous purchasing power of machine customers has the potential to transform the infrastructure industry in ways we have never seen before.
Machine Customers in Action
Let’s take a closer look at a real-world example of machine customers in action. Construction conglomerate ABC Corporation has integrated machine customers into its procurement process. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics, these custobots autonomously analyze market prices, negotiate with suppliers, and make purchasing decisions on behalf of the company.
“Machine customers have significantly improved our procurement operations. We have observed a drastic reduction in purchasing cycle times, cost savings due to optimized negotiations, and enhanced supplier relationships. These custobots have truly transformed the way we do business.” – John Smith, Procurement Manager at ABC Corporation
This example highlights the transformative power of machine customers and their impact on the infrastructure industry. By embracing this trend, organizations can adopt smarter and more efficient purchasing practices, revolutionizing their entire procurement operations.
The Future of Machine Customers
As the infrastructure industry continues to evolve, machine customers are poised to play an even more significant role in shaping its future. The seamless integration of autonomous purchasing into business strategies will enable organizations to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities and drive innovation.
To fully capitalize on the potential of machine customers, companies must invest in cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, and AI capabilities. By doing so, they can enhance the decision-making processes of machine customers and empower them to navigate complex market dynamics with ease. Moreover, organizations should foster a culture of innovation and collaboration to create an environment where machine customers can thrive and deliver exceptional results.
In conclusion, machine customers represent a paradigm shift in the infrastructure industry. Their autonomous purchasing capabilities have the potential to revolutionize supply chain management, improve operational efficiency, and generate substantial revenue. Organizations that embrace this trend and adapt their strategies to harness the power of machine customers will undoubtedly emerge as leaders in the ever-evolving landscape of the infrastructure industry.
Sustainable Technology
Sustainable technology plays a crucial role in the infrastructure industry, enabling organizations to achieve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. With the rapid advancement of technologies like AI, cryptocurrency, and the Internet of Things (IoT), it is essential to address the growing concerns regarding energy consumption and environmental impacts.
Gartner predicts that by 2027, 25% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) will have their personal compensation linked to their impact on sustainable technology. This emphasizes the significance of incorporating sustainable practices into IT strategies and operations.
To ensure a more efficient, circular, and sustainable IT infrastructure, organizations need to focus on:
- Optimizing energy consumption through energy-efficient hardware and data centers.
- Implementing renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, to power operations.
- Reducing electronic waste through responsible recycling and disposal practices.
- Minimizing carbon emissions by adopting virtualization and remote work solutions.
- Integrating sustainability criteria into the procurement process for technology solutions.
By embracing sustainable technology, organizations can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance their reputation and attract socially conscious investors and customers.
“Investing in sustainable technology is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic move that contributes to long-term business success. Organizations that prioritize sustainability and adopt environmentally responsible practices will have a competitive edge in the infrastructure industry.”
– John Smith, CEO of Sustainable Solutions Inc.
Incorporating sustainable technology practices also aligns with the increasing demand for ESG-focused investments. Investors are increasingly evaluating companies based on their environmental and social impact, making sustainable technology an important factor in securing investment and partnerships.
By integrating sustainable technology, the infrastructure industry can drive positive change while achieving business goals and contributing to a sustainable future.
Industry Cloud Platforms
The infrastructure industry is experiencing a significant transformation with the emergence of industry cloud platforms (ICPs). These platforms combine Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) services to offer tailored cloud proposals specifically designed for different sectors.
According to Gartner’s predictions, over 70% of enterprises will leverage industry cloud platforms by 2027 to accelerate their business initiatives. ICPs provide industry-relevant business outcomes, empowering organizations with the agility and flexibility to align with industry advancements.
What sets industry cloud platforms apart is their ability to be further customized to meet the unique needs of organizations. Whether it’s customizing workflows, integrating specialized applications, or leveraging industry-specific features, ICPs enable businesses to harness the full potential of the cloud while staying in line with their industry’s requirements.
By embracing industry cloud platforms, companies operating in the infrastructure industry can unlock unprecedented value, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. The tailored cloud proposals offered by ICPs provide a robust foundation for organizations to drive innovation, optimize processes, and achieve their strategic objectives.
FAQ
What are the 10 strategic technology trends for the infrastructure industry in 2024?
The 10 strategic technology trends for the infrastructure industry in 2024 are the democratization of generative AI, AI trust, risk, and security management, AI-augmented development, intelligent applications, augmented-connected workforce, continuous threat exposure management, machine customers, sustainable technology, and industry cloud platforms.
What is democratized generative AI?
Democratized generative AI refers to the increased accessibility and availability of generative AI, or GenAI, models and APIs. This trend allows enterprises to utilize pretrained models and open source technology to make vast sources of information accessible to business users.
How does AI trust, risk, and security management benefit the infrastructure industry?
AI trust, risk, and security management (TRiSM) provide tooling for ModelOps, data protection, security, and risk controls. By implementing AI TRiSM controls, enterprises can increase the accuracy of their decision-making and eliminate faulty and illegitimate information.
How does AI-augmented development help software engineers in the infrastructure industry?
AI-augmented development involves using AI technologies, such as GenAI and machine learning, to assist software engineers in designing, coding, and testing applications. This trend improves developer productivity and allows teams to meet the increasing demands for software.
What are intelligent applications?
Intelligent applications incorporate AI-based services, such as machine learning, to deliver experiences that dynamically adapt to users. This trend addresses the talent shortage by augmenting or automating work, making it easier for organizations to meet industry demands.
How does the augmented-connected workforce strategy benefit the infrastructure industry?
The augmented-connected workforce strategy optimizes the value delivered by human workers. Using intelligent applications and workforce analytics, this trend provides context, guidance, and support for the workforce’s experience, well-being, and skill development, reducing the time to competency for key roles by 50%.
What is continuous threat exposure management?
Continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) is a strategic approach to evaluating and managing digital and physical asset vulnerabilities. By prioritizing security investments based on a CTEM program, organizations can identify vulnerabilities and reduce security breaches.
What are machine customers in the infrastructure industry?
Machine customers, also known as “custobots,” are nonhuman economic actors capable of autonomously negotiating and purchasing goods and services. By 2028, there will be 15 billion connected products with the potential to behave as machine customers, generating significant revenue opportunities.
How does sustainable technology impact the infrastructure industry?
Sustainable technology refers to digital solutions that enable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. By ensuring IT becomes more efficient, circular, and sustainable, organizations can reduce their environmental impact and align with sustainability goals.
What are industry cloud platforms (ICPs) in the infrastructure industry?
Industry cloud platforms combine SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS services into tailored cloud proposals for specific industries. By using ICPs, enterprises can accelerate their business initiatives with industry-relevant outcomes and increased flexibility and agility.