Gartner has disclosed its top strategic predictions for the year 2024 and beyond, emphasizing the transformative role of generative AI (GenAI) and its influence on executive decision-making. GenAI has revolutionized perspectives across various domains, advocating for flexible and adaptable organizational structures to effectively navigate the future.
Leigh McMullen, Distinguished VP Analyst at GartnerLeigh McMullen, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, said, “This is the first full year with GenAI at the heart of every strategic decision, and every other technology-driven innovation has been pushed out of the spotlight.” GenAI has fundamentally shifted the paradigm, continually amplifying excitement and innovation in the industry.
Daryl Plummer, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, expressed, “GenAI presents an opportunity to accomplish things never before possible in the scope of human existence.” He emphasized that CIOs and executive leaders are willing to embrace the associated risks of utilizing GenAI to harness unprecedented benefits.
Key Strategic Predictions:
AI Productivity Value Recognized as Primary Economic Indicator by 2027: Gartner predicts that by 2027, the productivity value of AI will be acknowledged as a fundamental economic indicator, shaping national power and influencing governments to prioritize AI strategies in both private and public sectors.
GenAI Tools to Modernize Business Applications and Cut Costs by 70 percent by 2027: Gartner foresees that by 2027, GenAI tools will be effectively employed to elucidate legacy business applications and devise appropriate replacements, reducing modernization costs significantly by 70 percent.
Enterprises to Spend Over $30 Billion to Combat Malinformation by 2028: Gartner projects that by 2028, enterprises will allocate substantial funds exceeding $30 billion to combat malinformation, diverting a portion of marketing and cybersecurity budgets to address this multifront threat.
CISOs to Expand Their Remit Beyond Cybersecurity by 2027: Predicting regulatory pressure and expanding attack surfaces, Gartner anticipates that by 2027, 45 percent of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) will extend their responsibilities beyond cybersecurity.
GenAI Adoption to Drive a 1,000 percent Increase in Unionization Among Knowledge Workers by 2028: The rise of GenAI is predicted to increase unionization among knowledge workers by a remarkable 1,000 percent by 2028, prompting executives to clearly communicate AI deployment intents to allay staff anxieties.
Digital Charisma Filters Enhancing Worker Advancements by 2026: By 2026, 30 percent of workers are expected to utilize digital charisma filters, enhancing their career advancement by refining social interactions and communication effectiveness.
Neurodivergent Talent Hired by 25 percent of Fortune 500 Companies by 2027: Gartner anticipates that by 2027, 25 percent of Fortune 500 companies will actively recruit neurodivergent talent, recognizing the potential for increased employee engagement, productivity, and innovation across the workforce.
Dedicated Business Units to Access Machine Customer Markets by 2026: Predicting the rise of machine customers, Gartner foresees that by 2026, 30 percent of large companies will establish dedicated business units or sales channels to cater to this evolving market.
Smart Robots to Outnumber Frontline Workers in Key Industries by 2028: Labor shortages are expected to drive the rise of smart robots, outnumbering frontline workers in manufacturing, retail, and logistics by 2028, aiding companies in filling operational gaps.
Energy-Aware Operations Crucial for Competitive Advantage by 2026: Gartner highlights that by 2026, 50 percent of G20 members will experience monthly electricity rationing, emphasizing the importance of energy-aware operations for both competitive advantage and mitigating risks. Aging grid infrastructures and rising electricity demand underscore this urgent need.
Gartner’s strategic predictions underscore the transformative potential of GenAI and the imperative for organizations to adapt, evolve, and embrace novel approaches to thrive in the rapidly changing technological landscape.