Steve Suarez, CEO of Horizon X Consulting, explains some of the best practices he uses in the identification of emerging technologies and how to integrate them in order to generate business transformation.
The discussion covers the evolution of AI, the growing significance of quantum computing, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of industries, particularly financial services.
Steve shares insights into managing technological complexity, the importance of governance, and the opportunities presented by trends such as small AI models, quantum computing and even space technologies.
Find out more about HorizonX Consulting -> Here.
Key Takeaways
- Staying ahead of technological trends requires proactive engagement, networking, and continuous learning.
- AI’s integration into daily business operations is accelerating, moving from hype to practical use cases like productivity enhancement.
- Small, focused language models will increasingly replace large models due to advantages in privacy, efficiency, and customisation.
- Quantum computing is making steady progress and has the potential to transform industries, including security, healthcare, and automotive technology.
- Companies must strike a balance between incremental improvements and disruptive innovation to sustain growth and relevance.
- Effective AI governance is becoming critical for large enterprises to manage complexity, ensure compliance, and protect data.
- The next wave of innovation may emerge from the intersection of different technologies, such as AI, quantum, and space tech.
- Organisations in financial services are challenged by a lack of awareness and capacity to integrate emerging technologies amid operational pressures.
- AI’s role in summarising, decision-support, and automation is helping entrepreneurs and managers save time and increase efficiency.
- Future breakthroughs will likely involve technologies such as quantum-based simulations to optimise energy-intensive processes.
- The rapid pace of technological change is creating opportunities for new “big players,” comparable to the rise of tech giants during the dot-com era.
- Leveraging new technologies requires structured strategies to take them from labs to commercial application through partnerships and leadership.
Innovation
- Use of small, on-premises language models tailored to specific business needs for improved data security and operational efficiency.
- Applying AI agents to simulate roles in virtual board meetings, providing multi-perspective decision-making support.
- Developing governance structures akin to “air traffic control” to manage AI systems across large organisations.
- Exploring the space economy, including innovations such as creating materials in space and using satellite data for agricultural and logistics applications.
- Quantum computing as a means to simulate natural processes, reducing energy consumption and enabling breakthroughs in areas like fertiliser production.
Key Statistics
- Over 1% of the world’s energy is used to create ammonia for fertiliser, highlighting inefficiencies that quantum simulations could address.
- Humanity has generated more data in the past two years than in all prior history combined.
Key Discussion Points
- How businesses can identify emerging trends early by engaging with thought leaders and participating in industry events.
- The transition from broad AI concepts to practical, business-focused use cases across sectors.
- The importance of incremental innovation alongside disruptive changes to maintain organisational balance.
- The increasing relevance of small, customised AI models over large, general-purpose ones.
- The role of conferences and expert networks in uncovering high-potential technologies and trends.
- Quantum computing’s future impact on industries like healthcare, security, and automotive.
- Managing AI complexity through governance frameworks and operational controls.
- The potential business benefits of AI agents providing decision-support in management scenarios.
- Lessons from past technological shifts, such as Kodak’s missed opportunity with digital cameras.
- The interplay between technologies, where combining AI, quantum, and space tech may yield unexpected breakthroughs.
- The importance of ethical use and robust security measures in adopting new technologies.
- The need for financial services firms to overcome operational inertia and enhance their ability to adopt future technologies.
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