2023 Was the Year of AI: What’s Next for 2024?

As we approach the end of 2023, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the transformative year and anticipate what lies ahead in 2024. Brace yourselves because the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape has been on a rollercoaster ride, and the next loop is just around the corner.

2023: The Year of AI​

In 2023, AI claimed the spotlight, captivating our imaginations and reshaping industries. Let's rewind the clock and revisit some pivotal moments:

1. ChatGPT-4 Emerges: March witnessed the release of ChatGPT-4, a monumental leap in conversational AI. Boasting 540 billion parameters, this large language model redefined AI capabilities, becoming our digital companion—from answering questions to crafting poetry.
2. Midjourney AI 5th Version: In March 2023, Midjourney AI's 5th version was unveiled, pushing the boundaries of creativity with powerful AI-driven image generation. Users could now transform text prompts into stunning visuals, ushering in new possibilities.
3. Microsoft Copilot: September marked the launch of Microsoft Copilot, a robust AI-powered productivity tool seamlessly integrated with Microsoft 365 apps. It has been in its early form but we’re already seeing it as a game-changer that can provide personal assistance across various tasks, fundamentally altering the way we work.

2024: What Lies Ahead​

Let's peer into the future. According to Forbes, here are three AI trends every leader should keep an eye on in 2024:

1. The AI Hype Fades: The buzz around AI will simmer down. Practical applications will take centre stage as AI becomes an integral part of our daily lives. We are officially living in the AI era.
2. Regulations Take Center Stage: Ethical debates and security concerns surrounding AI will prompt the emergence of regulations, internal rules, and legal frameworks. The Wild West of AI will be tamed as ethical considerations take precedence.
3. New Job Descriptions: As businesses adapt to AI, new job descriptions like "AI ethics officer" and "AI compliance specialist" will become commonplace. A shift in workforce roles will accompany the integration of AI technologies.

Are You Ready for the New Era?​

Stepping into the new era of work requires a careful assessment of our readiness for the changes ahead. The Microsoft 2023 Work Trend Index provides critical statistics highlighting challenges and opportunities:

1. Uninterrupted Focus Time: 68% of people report insufficient uninterrupted focus time. Strategies to protect focused work periods become crucial in the face of constant information influx.
2. Information Overload: 62% of people spend excessive time searching for information. Empowering employees with tools to streamline information retrieval is essential in the digital age.
3. Communication Burden: Approximately 57% of an employee’s time is consumed by communication. Balancing effective communication and focused work is vital. Organizations should optimize communication channels for mindful interactions.
4. AI and Workload: An impressive 70% of people are willing to delegate tasks to AI. Responsibly embracing AI can transform productivity by allowing employees to focus on higher-value work.

Workplace Adoption Stages​

To navigate this transformative journey effectively, organizations must understand the different phases of adoption. Microsoft’s work with customers on Modern Workplace Productivity has identified four key stages:

1. Deployment: The first step is to implement technical infrastructure and make solutions available. Clear communication and training are crucial for effective tool utilization.
2. Usage: Encouraging active usage and providing ongoing support are critical during this stage as employees start using the services.
3. Adoption: This stage involves deep, habitual usage that delivers tangible value. Fostering a culture that encourages employees to embrace new ways of working is vital.
4. Proficiency means mastering tools, understanding their nuances, and using them effectively. Empowering employees to extract maximum value from adopted technologies is the ultimate goal.

Successful adoption isn't just about deploying tools; it's about empowering employees to thrive in the new era of work. Organizations can unlock productivity, creativity, and value for all by understanding these phases and investing in thoughtful strategies.

Are you ready for AI?

If you are unsure about your level of AI adoption and don't know where to start, sign up for our free assessment and let's review your tech strategy for 2024 together!