Forrester Technology & Innovation Summit EMEA 2024  

The 2024 Forrester EMEA Technology & Innovation Summit, held from October 9-11, brought together business leaders and innovators to discuss the future of technology and its implications for business. Emphasising generative artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and the need for trust in digital processes, the summit provided a platform for engaging discussions and practical insights.   

One of the sessions that stood out was when the Principal Analysts of Forrester, Dr. Bernhard Schaffrik and Dan Bieler, assumed the roles of CIO and CXO of a fictitious technology company, respectively. They wore attire that was inspired by the tech industry. This creative approach laid the groundwork for an engaging Forrester High-Performance IT Framework presentation. Their engaging session underlined that overcoming the obstacles posed by automation and generative artificial intelligence depends mostly on breaking down data silos and promoting a culture of trust and alignment in the fast-paced tech landscape of today.  

Eliminating barriers to AI adoption   

In their session, Schaffrik and Bieler discussed how companies could streamline their AI initiatives by leveraging the High-Performance IT Framework. In order to fully leverage AI’s capabilities, businesses must transcend the operational and data divisions that frequently impede advancement. This was the primary message conveyed.   

Organisations may create high-performance teams competent in driving creative AI strategies by encouraging an environment of trust, adaptability, and alignment. This perspective resonates with the broader trends in the tech sector, where the practical application of AI technology depends on teamwork and a coherent plan. Navigating the complexity of artificial intelligence adoption depends on trust inside teams and between departments, enabling businesses to react more successfully to shifting corporate dynamics and market needs.  

Intelligent trust services: human-centric methodology  

Jörg Lenz, Namirial’s Director of Global Marketing and Communications, delivered another noteworthy session on Intelligent Trust Services and how businesses like Namirial include artificial intelligence in their digital trust products. Lenz emphasised the significance of human oversight, accountability, and ownership in applying AI technologies. He stressed the importance of AI enhancing human activities through co-intelligence, ensuring trust across various applications and processes while providing convenience.   

Lenz’s observations are especially pertinent as consumers and companies become increasingly concerned about the moral ramifications of artificial intelligence. Organisations seeking to include artificial intelligence in their operations should closely review use cases and procedures to handle issues and fit various legal frameworks. This method makes customers more confident and ensures that new rules, like the EU AI Act, are followed.  

Generative AI: a catalyst for change  

Forrester’s Vice President and Principal Analyst, Martha Bennett, gave a fascinating keynote presentation on generative artificial intelligence as a driving force behind change. She detailed the typical problems that arise when businesses try to expand the usage of generative AI beyond its original applications. One critical takeaway from her presentation was that organisations are unlikely to progress significantly in their AI initiatives without a strong data foundation.  

Bennett raised serious questions about current AI techniques and what it will take to scale these technologies effectively. She argued that businesses have to invest in data strategy development supporting AI adoption if they are to turn artificial intelligence from a limiting factor into a source of invention. The emphasis on data quality and accessibility resonates with Forrester’s overall objective of helping organisations effectively traverse the complexity of the digital landscape.  

AI’s future and high-performance IT  

The summit’s discussions highlighted the crucial role artificial intelligence (AI) will play in influencing business and technology in the future. High-performance IT frameworks become more critical as companies increasingly turn to AI for automation and decision-making.   

Leaders must be ready to properly guide their AI plans so that their teams can navigate potential challenges. The revelations made during the summit capture the current state of artificial intelligence adoption and serve as a guide for organisations seeking to harness the potential of this transformative technology. Businesses can become successful in a world where technology is constantly changing by focusing on trust, teamwork, and data management.   

Distilled  

The 2024 Forrester EMEA Technology & Innovation Summit was a testament to the tech industry’s dynamic and swiftly evolving nature. With thought-provoking sessions on generative AI, trust services, and high-performance IT frameworks, attendees were equipped with the knowledge and techniques needed to navigate the technological future. Organisations embracing these insights and innovations will undoubtedly influence the next wave of technological development, promoting a culture of cooperation and trust necessary for success in the digital age.