Generative AI is hotter than ever. This year, we saw groundbreaking AI research earn Nobel Prizes while major tech companies rushed to integrate AI into their products. The U.S. government is pushing AI as a key player in the clean-energy shift and as a central part of federal spending. But what about 2025?
As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear that tech companies are ramping up adoption of generative AI. However, the return on investment for businesses employing these AI products varies widely. Predictions for AI’s impact on the technology sector come from various experts, driven by current trends. A recent IEEE study revealed that 58% of respondents believe AI will be vital in 2025, while a whopping 91% foresee a pivotal moment for generative AI and its capabilities.
Let’s break down some key developments expected in 2025:
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AI Agents Will Take Center Stage
I expect AI agents to become a major trend next year. These semi-autonomous systems can connect different applications and handle tasks in varied environments. For instance, Salesforce uses AI agents to reach out to sales leads. The term “agent” isn’t clearly defined yet. IBM describes it as an AI that can tackle complex problems—think of OpenAI. Regardless of their definitions, AI agents are likely to dominate generative AI marketing in 2025 and could function independently on multi-step projects while humans focus on other tasks. -
AI’s Dual Role in Cybersecurity
Both attackers and defenders in cybersecurity will leverage AI in 2025. We’re already seeing generative AI security products popping up this year. These tools can write code or identify potential threats, acting as a brainstorming partner. However, they can also produce inaccurate information. Security teams might find themselves verifying AI output to avoid major risks, which could lead to more issues. As Jeremy Fuchs from Check Point Software Technologies pointed out, the integration of AI tools could escalate the risk of data exposure. By 2025, organizations will need strict controls over AI usage to protect data privacy and security. -
Businesses Want Proof of ROI from AI
The focus is shifting from rampant AI innovation to a demand for solid returns on investment in boardrooms around the globe. As Uzi Dvir from WalkMe highlighted, employees are questioning whether it’s worthwhile to learn new AI tools for their jobs. Companies are grappling with whether generative AI delivers genuine value, often facing high costs and unclear objectives. The challenge lies in integrating AI into existing applications and assessing whether those additions truly enhance their value. Expect more organizations to rigorously evaluate AI features in the coming year. -
AI Will Revolutionize Scientific Research
AI isn’t just influencing businesses; it’s making waves in science too. Four 2024 Nobel Prize winners utilized AI in their groundbreaking work. For example, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper from Google DeepMind were honored for using AI to predict protein structures. This trend in AI’s application in life sciences, showcased in recent White House summits, is set to continue into next year, offering solutions to complex challenges. - The Environmental Cost of AI
Energy efficiency is being touted as a benefit of AI, but the reality is more complex. While AI can optimize energy use, building and managing the data centers to support generative AI consumes vast amounts of electricity and water. With rising global temperatures, balancing these environmental impacts becomes increasingly difficult. Over the coming year, expect to see a mix of genuine and questionable claims about the energy savings AI can provide.
What Generative AI Products Are Leading the Pack?
Some of the most recognized generative AI products include ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, GPT-4, and DALL-E 3.
Which Generative AI Is the Most Advanced?
Determining the “most advanced” generative AI is tricky. Various assessments are used, like human educational benchmarks and dedicated evaluations for AI. Google’s Gemini Ultra, China Mobile’s Jiutian, and OpenAI’s GPT-4o currently lead the leaderboard for such measures.
