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Top 25: the most promising emerging technologies of the decade

Have you ever considered how drastically technology has evolved in recent years? Digital transformation is accelerating, propelled by emerging technologies that once seemed like science fiction.

These innovations are not only shaping the future, but also redefining the present across numerous industries. We are on the brink of a new era where adaptability and innovation are crucial for a business’s survival and success.

In times like these, it’s essential to understand the landscape to effectively integrate new resources into your operations. With this goal in mind, we’ve prepared this guide!

Gartner, a leading authority in research and consulting, has identified the 25 emerging technologies that will influence business decisions throughout this decade. We’ve analyzed these insights to bring you the key takeaways. Join us!

What are emerging technologies?

Emerging technologies are innovations that are still in the early stages of development and implementation, but have the potential to transform current practices across various sectors. These technologies can optimize processes and create new business models.

In essence, emerging technologies are key drivers of innovation, offering companies the opportunity to lead in digital evolution.

It’s important to note that the adoption of these technologies can vary by sector and region. This is because the process is influenced by economic, regulatory and social factors.

Nevertheless, the promise of increased efficiency, enhanced corporate security, and the ability to meet market demands provides strong incentives to incorporate them into your operations.

What are the 25 most promising emerging technologies according to Gartner?

As a leader in Data Centers and Connectivity in Latin America, Ascenty is at the forefront of technological innovation, providing the digital infrastructure necessary for evolution.

We have been tracking market trends for years and working closely with companies across sectors to ensure a secure and agile digital transformation. In recent years, we’ve witnessed rapid and profound changes.

Technologies once imagined have become a reality, and organizations that are adapting are staying ahead.

Gartner highlights the top emerging technologies of the decade, categorized into four topics: smart world, productivity revolution, privacy and transparency, and critical enablers. Here are the insights!

Emerging technologies for an intelligent world

This topic explores how our interactions with people, places, content, and things are evolving due to the merging of online and offline experiences. It also includes technologies that blend the digital and physical worlds in innovative and intelligent ways.

1.    AI avatars

AI avatars are virtual personas generated with Artificial Intelligence, designed to interact with users across various digital platforms. They leverage natural language processing, algorithms, and facial recognition technologies to engage effectively.

What’s remarkable about these avatars is their high level of realism and the ease with which they can be customized. They have applications beyond just entertainment, extending into marketing and everyday corporate environments as well.

2.    Digital twins

Digital twins are ultra-realistic virtual representations of a physical object, environment or system. Their primary purpose is to simulate real-world scenarios within a digital environment, which helps accelerate processes and reduce errors.

For instance: before building a bridge, you can create a digital twin of it. This allows engineers and architects to visualize the final result, refine details, identify potential structural issues, and address them before actual construction begins.

3.    Multimodal user interfaces

Multimodal user interfaces enable interaction with devices through multiple methods, such as voice commands, gestures, touch, and facial recognition. This technology enhances the accessibility and usability of applications.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the emerging technologies poised to expand significantly in the coming years. Developers are continually seeking features that streamline the user experience, making it more fluid and intuitive.

4.    Smart environments

Smart environments are spaces equipped with advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and AIoT, designed to enhance interaction between people and systems, thereby improving the overall user experience.

These environments are becoming increasingly common and popular around the world. With digital evolution, emerging technologies are set to transform offices, homes, and even entire smart cities.

Curious about the most intelligent and connected cities in Brazil? According to the 2023 Connected Smart Cities Ranking, Florianópolis takes the top spot, followed by Curitiba, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte.

5.    Spatial computing

Spatial computing is an emerging technology that merges the physical and digital worlds, enabling devices to recognize and respond to their surroundings. It has a wide range of applications, from interactive gaming to industrial use.

In essence, spatial computing allows computers and digital objects to interact with the real world. A notable example is virtual reality (VR) glasses, which are commonly used in online gaming and are increasingly being integrated into the daily routines of professionals like architects and engineers.

Productivity revolution

As we explore the emerging technologies identified by Gartner, we come to the “Productivity Revolution” category. The focus is placed the potential to significantly boost productivity in businesses and drive the digital economy of the future. Stay tuned for more insights!

6.    Compacting models

Model summarization is a technique designed to reduce the size of an Artificial Intelligence neural network, making it more feasible to deploy on smaller devices or in environments with limited processing capacity.

In essence, this resource will significantly enhance the adoption of Generative AI. It enables even small and medium-sized businesses to adapt the technology to their specific needs and operational realities.

7.    Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles

Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles are flying objects that operate with a high degree of automation. While they are often controlled remotely, they also utilize AI to perform various tasks independently.

Companies are already testing drones for delivering small packages, for instance. This accelerates logistics, reduces costs, and offers a novel experience for consumers.

8.    Generative AI

Generative AI is a branch of Artificial Intelligence that creates innovative content from existing data, revolutionizing fields such as design, marketing, and technology.  

Many experts consider it one of the most promising emerging technologies today. Its integration with other resources and technologies is yielding increasingly impressive results at an accelerated pace.

9.    Virtual assistants powered by Generative AI

Virtual assistants powered by Generative AI represent the next generation of virtual assistance. Their key advantage lies in leveraging advanced technology to provide more accurate and personalized responses, enhancing interactions between companies and customers.

10 . Synthetic data

Synthetic data is artificially generated data created using Generative AI to simulate real data for purposes such as comparisons and predictions.

A synthetic dataset retains the same mathematical properties as the real data it mimics, but with different information. This allows companies to conduct tests, develop new products, and perform machine learning studies.

Emerging technologies for privacy and transparency

This topic emphasizes the need to make ethical and strategic decisions in AI adoption by adhering to AI design principles that benefit both people and society. It focuses on ensuring data protection and operational transparency.

11.   Human-centered AI

Human-centered AI focuses on designing AI systems that maximize benefits for end users. This approach ensures that technology enhances and complements human abilities, improving efficiency without compromising privacy or autonomy.

12.   Behavioral analysis

Behavioral analysis involves tracking data to understand and predict human behavior within a system or environment. This technology is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity and personalizing user experiences.

13.   Responsible AI

Responsible AI, featured on Gartner’s list of emerging technologies, emphasizes the ethical development and implementation of AI. This approach focuses on using technology to create systems and machines that are fair, transparent, and auditable.

14.  Decentralized identity systems (DIS)

Decentralized identity systems (DIS) enable secure and private management of digital identities. They reduce reliance on centralized entities and give users greater control over their own data.

15.  Privacy-Enhancing Technologies

Privacy-enhancing technologies combine advanced features to safeguard personal data during analysis and decision-making. They ensure more ethical and transparent data processing while protecting confidential information from exposure.

Critical enablers

In this category, Gartner examines technologies that introduce new use cases and enhance existing experiences. Understanding these can guide your business in identifying where to invest for continued digital evolution. Explore these insights!

16.   Neuromorphic computing

Neuromorphic computing is inspired by the human brain and aims to create faster and more efficient computer systems. These systems excel at performing complex tasks such as pattern recognition and decision-making.

17.   Tokenization

Tokenization is an emerging technology that replaces sensitive information with non-sensitive values, crucial for secure transactions and data privacy.

Essentially, it transforms valuable data into a digital token. that can be used safely within systems and environments.

18.   Quantum processors

Quantum processors are cutting-edge components that leverage quantum mechanics to perform calculations significantly faster than traditional processors.

They are heralded as the next generation of processors, promising to make programs significantly faster and more powerful.

19.   Hyperscale edge computing

Hyperscale edge computing (HEC) is a hybrid cloud solution that distributes data processing capacity to locations where it is most needed. This approach reduces latency and boosts the efficiency of applications and services .

20.  Artificial Intelligence Chips

Artificial intelligence chips are CPUs equipped with a specialized processing unit for AI functions. This allows the device to execute processes internally, eliminating the need for external connections.

21.  Web3

Web3 encompasses a suite of technologies designed to create decentralized web applications. It emphasizes security, privacy, and interoperability among different services and users.

This technology is regarded as one of the most promising of the decade and is often referred to by experts as the next generation of the Internet. 

22.  Blockchain

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enhances the security and transparency of digital transactions. It is crucial for the advancement of digital finance and smart contracts,

enabling secure data exchange and processing within corporate networks.

23.  Knowledge Graphs

Knowledge Graphs are data structures designed to integrate and share complex information, which is vital for enhancing search and recommendation systems.

24.  Mega LEO satellite constellations

Mega satellite constellations are networks of satellites positioned in low orbit to provide global high-speed internet coverage. They are crucial for expanding digital connectivity.

As the number of internet-connected devices grows, there is a rising demand for high-performance connections everywhere, including the most remote locations. Investing in LEO satellite constellations addresses this need, as their lower orbit reduces latency and improves connectivity.

25. Private 5G

Private 5G is an emerging technology that delivers high-speed, low-latency networks tailored for business applications. It ensures secure and customized communications to meet the specific needs of each organization.

Is your business ready for the digital evolution?

The rise of emerging technologies is reshaping the business landscape. To stay ahead in this dynamic environment, your company needs a robust and scalable digital infrastructure.

The modern, well-connected Ascenty Data Centers are crucial for supporting and optimizing these advanced technologies. With infrastructure designed to adapt to increasing demands while maintaining security and efficiency, organizations can turn their digital potential into tangible results.

To learn how advanced digital infrastructure can enhance your business, download our exclusive guide to submarine cables.

Our detailed guide explores the critical role of submarine cables in global infrastructure and shows how Ascenty can support your company’s success in the evolving digital world.