Shaping the Future: Takeaways from the Gartner Symposium 2024

Attending the Gartner IT Symposium 2024 was an inspiring experience. AI took centre stage, but beyond the tech buzz, the Symposium emphasised something far deeper—that in a world driven by rapid advancements, it’s the human elements of creativity, inclusion, and balance that will truly shape tomorrow.

1. AI: The Main Event (But Not the Only Star)

AI was everywhere at the Symposium, almost like "Would you like fries with that?" question at a fast-food counter. Everywhere you turned, it felt like

Would you like AI with that?

It was clear that AI wasn’t just another tool—it was being integrated into every possible solution, product, and conversation.

The first keynote by Mary Mesaglio and Kristian Steenstrup framed the conversation perfectly. Organisations are challenged to reflect on where they stand on the AI journey. AI-Steady or AI-Accelerated? Are we focused on solving defined use cases, or are we developing new systems and models that push boundaries?

With everyday AI, we’ve moved automation to the users, where people spend their time handling data via emails and documents. Now AI tools can do this for you!

Throughout the conference it was echoed that AI productivity is reshaping operating models. AI is no longer just about automating processes—it’s about changing roles.

However the session by Tim Bowman highlighted some surprising stats:

87% of organisations haven’t developed generative AI guidelines. 82% have not conducted training on AI tools.

Many struggle to scale their AI pilots, stuck in experimentation without a clear path forward.

The big question: How can we identify deep productivity zones, where we can achieve real AI outcomes and show an ROI. To answer that we need to prepare to change some of these statistics.

2. Productivity Tools: The Promise of Time

The expo was flooded with productivity improvement tools, all promising to free up time for more "important" tasks. But the real question is, what will we do with that extra time?

Are we ready to embrace creativity, or will we just fill the void with more busywork? Are we ready to get BORED? And let that enable more ideas and innovation?

AI isn’t just driving innovation—it’s also reshaping the threat landscape. A key presentation on AI-powered attacks warned of how malware groups are using AI to lower the barrier for novice attackers.

3. Disability drives innovation: Necessity Sparks Ideas

One of the most powerful keynotes came from Haben Girma, a disability rights lawyer and author. Her message was clear: Designing for inclusion doesn’t just help people with disabilities; it creates solutions that benefit everyone.

Haben made a striking point that resonated with me: everyone needs support! For instance, people with full vision still need light at night to read. It’s a powerful reminder that inclusive design isn’t just for a few—it’s for all of us.

4. Digital Zen: Balancing Innovation and Well-being

Rahaf Harfoush introduced the concept of Digital Zen, and it hit home. In a world that’s always connected, mental health issues are on the rise. Rahaf stressed that organisations need to balance culture with digital wellbeing policies to avoid burnout.

Rahaf pointed out that we’re no longer just searching—we’re generating, which represents a complete shift in how we learn.

As we push for innovation, we must ensure it’s sustainable for the humans behind it.

5. Compete or Create?

The Day 3 keynote by Magnus Lindkvist, a Trendspotter and Futurologist, posed a question that stuck with me

Will you compete, or will you create?

In a world of rapid change, it’s not enough to just keep up—we must create the future.

Magnus has convinced us that to be truly futuristic, you must choose to create. Competing is reacting to the present, but creating is about shaping what’s to come.

Thank you Team Gartner for an amazing knowledge and innovation booster.

Gartner IT Symposium | 9-11 September 2024 | Gold Coast, Australia