Amy Webb, a futurist and CEO of the Future Today Institute, delivered an engaging keynote speech that explored the emerging tech trends shaping our world. Her presentation, based on her institute’s Tech Trends Report, revolved around the concept of the ‘Technology Super Cycle’, comprising three primary areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), connected ecosystems (which she terms ‘connectables’), and biotechnology. Webb’s keynote was filled with insightful analysis, memorable anecdotes, and a passionate call to action!
Webb opened her talk by emphasizing her commitment to delivering value to her audience, sharing her last-minute presentation adjustments that often challenge tech teams but ensure up-to-the-minute relevance. Her personal touch, acknowledging various national groups in the audience, added a unique warmth to the proceedings.
Artificial Intelligence: The Everything Engine
The first pillar of the Tech Super Cycle is AI. Webb explored how AI has evolved, moving from software in boxes to on-demand services and now to generative AI that can create software in real-time. She highlighted the current state of AI, including its struggles with biases and the challenges in achieving ethical, responsible AI. Webb emphasized that the future of AI involves moving beyond simple text prompts to more complex interactions, creating a collaboration between human creativity and AI capabilities.
Connectables: A Network of Smart Devices
The second pillar, ‘connectables’, encompasses a range of devices and sensors that are becoming increasingly embedded in our lives. From face computers like Apple’s Vision Pro to bizarre devices like AI-powered cat doors, Webb predicts a ‘Cambrian explosion’ of gadgets designed to gather data to feed the insatiable AI. This, she argues, will lead to a battle for ‘face supremacy’, with companies vying to dominate this new frontier of personal technology.
Biotechnology: Beyond Silicon
The third and final pillar is biotechnology. Webb sees biotech as the bridge to surpass the limitations of silicon-based computing. She shared examples of cutting-edge research, like brain organoids being used as biocomputers, indicating a future where biological materials could drive technological advancements.
Scenarios for the Future: From Optimistic to Ominous
Throughout her keynote, Webb presented various scenarios ranging from the optimistic, like AI-driven efficiencies in businesses, to the darker prospects of these technologies. These scenarios included the creation of social scoring systems via connectables, and the ethical dilemmas of biocomputers grown from human cells.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, Webb issued a powerful call to action. She urged governments to establish Departments of Transition to manage the societal shifts brought about by these technologies. Businesses were encouraged to map their value networks to anticipate and adapt to changes. Finally, she invited the audience to join her in future planning efforts to ensure a positive direction for these powerful tech trends.
Amy Webb’s SXSW keynote was not just an exposition of emerging tech trends. It was a clarion call for proactive, responsible stewardship of technology’s future. As we navigate this Tech Super Cycle, her insights serve as a guiding light in understanding and shaping the technology that will define our future.
Link to Speaker Keynote and Resources
Amy leaves us with her trend reports and slides: https://2024techtrends.com/sxsw. And here’s her full talk: