Amy Webb Launches 2024 Emerging Tech Trend Report
Featured Session at SXSW 2024
Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute, delivered a thought-provoking session at SXSW on navigating the “technology supercycle” that’s reshaping our world. Webb, a renowned futurist, author, and professor at NYU Stern School of Business, presented top insights from her 17th annual Tech Trend Report.
In this article, we’ll explore the key takeaways from her presentation and what they mean for you and your business.
Key Takeaways
The Technology Supercycle
- We are in the midst of a “technology supercycle” driven by the convergence of three general purpose technologies: artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and the connected ecosystem of devices/sensors.
- This supercycle will reshape our economy and society in unprecedented ways, similar to the Industrial Revolution and the internet era.
Artificial Intelligence Trends
- Despite the excitement around AI, there are still major issues around bias, accountability, and the potential for open-source models to be exploited for nefarious purposes.
- Generative AI is expanding rapidly, moving from text-based models to “concept to concrete” AI that can iterate on broad ideas.
The Connected Ecosystem of Devices
- An explosion of new connected devices and sensors is coming to fuel AI with more real-world data through “large action models.”
- This includes “face computers” (VR/AR headsets) and wearables that can read human intentions, raising concerns about privacy and social scoring.
Biotechnology Breakthroughs
- Advances in generative biology and biological computers made from human brain cells (“organoid intelligence”) could move us past silicon-based computing.
- This could lead to faster, more efficient, and more powerful computing systems that require a fraction of the energy.
Societal Implications and Recommendations
- The concentration of power among a small group of tech leaders pursuing visions of techno-utopianism is concerning.
- Governments should establish Departments of Transition to plan for the disruptive impacts of the technology supercycle on industries and jobs.
- Companies need to map their evolving value networks to anticipate disruption and create value in the future.
Navigating the Supercycle
To thrive in the technology supercycle, Webb recommends:
- Staying informed about the trends shaping the landscape and their potential impact on your business.
- Downloading the Tech Trend Report (it’s free) and key slides from the presentation to share with colleagues and inform strategic planning.
- Embracing strategic foresight and long-term planning to anticipate and adapt to disruptive changes.
- Engaging in the broader conversation about shaping the technology supercycle to create a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
Learn More
Listen to this session in its entirety or watch it on the SXSW YouTube channel.
Explore our in-depth coverage of Social Impact Sessions & Speaker Highlights, Startup-focused Sessions, and Top AI Keynotes & Sessions at SXSW 2024.
Our StartingUpGood team believes that events and conferences are great places to learn, share ideas, and innovate. We are committed to using our innovative tech tools to share key insights and learnings from top conferences. This article uses Otter.ai to create transcripts and various LLMs to generate content summaries. All work is hand-checked for quality.
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