Introduction

2024 was a period of technological supercycle that shaped the future of various industries. The central drivers were artificial intelligence, biotechnology, Web3, and IoT. The MIM:AGENCY team analyzed data from the Future Today Institute, which states that this supercycle led to a change in social and economic models, identifying new growth points and risks for business and society.

Innovations have affected various aspects of everyday life: from medicine to finance, transportation, and government structures.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI has become the main driver of technological progress, changing the ways of working, communicating, and making decisions. The introduction of generative AI, such as GPT-4, has transformed the content industry. Thus, it was possible to automate the creation of images and even videos. AI has also radically influenced medicine, improving diagnostics through the analysis of large data sets and accelerating the development of new drugs.

Autonomous systems based on AI are becoming a reality: Tesla and Waymo’s self-driving cars are undergoing active testing in megacities, and delivery robots are becoming commonplace in logistics. However, along with technological breakthroughs, risks are growing. Regulators in the US and Europe are already working on restrictions on the use of AI to prevent discrimination and misuse of personal data.

Bioengineering

Breakthroughs in biotechnology are bringing us closer to a new era of medicine. Gene therapy is becoming more accessible. This makes it easier to treat rare hereditary diseases that were previously considered incurable. The use of artificial intelligence in biological research is accelerating the discovery of new molecules from which more effective drugs can be created.

3D bioprinting is an extremely promising direction. However, bioengineering raises new ethical questions. For example, the use of CRISPR to edit the human genome raises concerns about possible social stratification, where only the wealthy would have access to “improved” genetic characteristics. However, this is worth considering separately.

Web3 and the Metaverse

Web3 continues to evolve, transforming the digital economy. Decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts are an alternative to traditional banks. This simplifies financial transactions and reduces intermediary costs. NFTs are no longer just digital images but are used in digital identification, copyright, and even real estate.

The metaverse is gradually being integrated into business and education. Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest have opened up opportunities for new formats of interaction, and the integration of artificial intelligence helps create more realistic virtual worlds.

Despite the enthusiasm, the metaverse faces accessibility problems, as high-quality VR equipment is still expensive.

Energy and Climate

The energy sector has experienced truly revolutionary changes and all thanks to the development of new technologies. Solar energy is making strides forward: perovskite photovoltaics and concentrated solar systems have appeared, improving generation efficiency. Hydropower is being developed through the creation of small-scale hydroelectric power plants and the use of water as an energy accumulator.

Hydrogen is becoming a promising clean fuel, especially when combined with new technologies to reduce its cost. Fusion energy is also receiving a boost from private investment in compact reactors. In addition, carbon capture and storage technologies are being actively developed to reduce CO2 emissions in industrial sectors.

Mobility and Robotics

The development of autonomous transport and robotics in 2024 continued thanks to breakthroughs in AI and sensor systems. For example, Tesla and Waymo actively tested driverless cars, and drones were used not only for delivering goods but also for search and rescue operations.

In the field of robotics, there is a transition to the use of soft materials and bionic systems. Thanks to them, it was possible to create robots that are self-healing and work in difficult conditions. One of the breakthroughs in 2024 was liquid metal robots: they can change their shape.

Computers

Modern computing systems are undergoing significant changes due to the development of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. The trend towards creating personal computers with built-in AI modules that improve performance and security is already observed in new models of laptops and smartphones. In addition, the “Right to Repair” movement is gaining momentum, forcing manufacturers to provide access to parts and instructions for self-service devices. In the cooling sector, the latest AirJet technology allows for increased processor cooling efficiency, which is especially important for gaming and mobile devices.

Environment

Amid the worsening climate change, environmental initiatives were a priority last year. One of the trends is the restoration of nature and rewilding – the return of natural landscapes to their original state by restoring biodiversity. To reduce the impact of industry on the environment, environmentally neutral or negative building materials, such as plastic from mushroom mycelium and self-healing materials, were developed quite actively.

At the same time, the fight against microplastics remains one of the main challenges, and researchers are developing technologies that will allow for more effective cleaning of the oceans from pollution.

Healthcare and medicine

Medicine is actively integrating digital technologies that are changing approaches to diagnosis, treatment and health monitoring. Electronic health records (EHR) have improved patient data management. Thus, quick access to medical history and tests was provided. The use of artificial intelligence in medicine has become an opportunity to create personalized treatment methods based on genetic data. This is how the concept of precision medicine developed.

Nanobots and biorobots are increasingly opening up new possibilities in the fight against cancer cells and for targeted drug delivery. In 2024, wearable devices for continuous health monitoring were introduced. This opens up the chance to detect cardiovascular diseases and diabetes earlier.

Financial Services and Insurance

The financial sector is set to undergo significant changes in 2024, driven by blockchain, open banking, and artificial intelligence. The rise of cryptocurrencies is forcing traditional banks to adapt by incorporating digital assets into their systems. Algorithmic risk models have allowed insurance companies to more accurately assess potential losses. At the same time, open banking technologies have simplified access to financial services and improved user experience. Fast payments and asset tokenization have changed the investment landscape, leading to greater transparency and efficiency in operations.

Sports

Innovative technologies are changing the sports industry, affecting training, athlete safety, and fan engagement. Virtual and augmented reality are being used to create new training methods that simulate real-world competition conditions. Artificial intelligence analyzes data on athletes’ physical fitness and helps optimize their workloads. Sports medicine is introducing exoskeletons for rehabilitation after injuries. The use of blockchain in sports betting increases market transparency, and the use of NFTs for ticket sales reduces fraud and counterfeiting.

Space

Space technology has received a new impetus thanks to the commercialization of orbital flights and the use of artificial intelligence to control satellites. Private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have given a real impetus to development.

Microgravity in biomedical research has become extremely important for developments in the fields of pharmacology and materials science. The development of technologies for extracting resources on asteroids and the Moon has also become an important direction in 2024.

However, the problem of space debris is still not solved. This all encourages the creation of initiatives for the disposal and management of satellite trajectories.

Hotel Business

The hotel industry in 2024 will adapt to new guest demands, and not without the participation of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Digital concierges and contactless booking systems have improved the customer experience, and personalization algorithms are a chance for hotels to offer services for each guest.

The use of robots for room service and food delivery is already being implemented in hotels, but gradually. Global networks have expanded their presence in Asia and Africa.

Conclusions

The technological supercycle of 2024 determines the main directions of development for the coming years. The use of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and Web3 is a great opportunity, but it also requires careful regulation and discussion of ethical implications.

The future depends on how society and business adapt to these changes. Companies that are the first to integrate the latest technologies will have an advantage, while others risk falling behind in the competition.

That is why it is important to monitor new developments and form strategies for their implementation now.

Source:

FTI Tech Trends Report 2024, published by Future Today Institute.