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In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), the year 2023 witnessed a surge in the prominence of generative AI, thrusting it into the mainstream. This period has been marked by remarkable advancements, thrusting AI into the forefront of public discourse, with Collins Dictionary even designating AI as the word of the year.
Despite previous apprehensions of AI triggering cataclysmic consequences, humanity has persevered. Looking ahead to 2024, AI is predicted to propel breakthroughs in healthcare, reach new milestones in autonomous vehicles, and intensify ethical debates surrounding its role in society, thereby influencing the trajectory of technological evolution. This forecast was generated using ChatGPT 3.5.
As part of Australia’s inaugural National AI Month, insights were sought from leaders in AI affiliated with the National AI Centre (NAIC), NAIC Think Tank members, and industry associates regarding their predictions for AI in 2024. Anticipations include the normalisation of AI in everyday life, an upswing in investor interest, and the ubiquity of AI across diverse sectors.
Experts foresee AI becoming both commonplace and extraordinary, integrated into various facets of daily existence. Judy Slatyer, a proponent of responsible AI deployment, envisions a scenario where millions of individuals will leverage advanced AI features in their daily activities. By the end of 2024, the widespread use of AI-enabled assistants is predicted, tailored to individual needs, or embedded in the products and services used daily.
The Head of AI Analytics and Data Science at Information technology company, highlights the increasing adoption of generative AI driven by excitement and declining technology costs. The General Manager of Privacy and Customer Trust at an Australian conglomerate, predicts large-scale AI adoption in diverse business domains, with potential risks associated with “Shadow AI” emerging outside official channels.
In contrast to the speculative hype surrounding AI, 2024 is anticipated to bring a reality check as businesses shift from experimental phases to practical implementations. An expert in ethical AI commercialisation, emphasises the importance of understanding data for sustainable results and dispels the notion of AI as a magic wand.
Technical experts anticipate ongoing improvements in AI capabilities in the coming year, focusing on bug fixes and the development of models capable of processing multiple data types. The emphasis will be on multi-modal large language models and fine-tuning for specific workflows.
As AI continues to weave into the fabric of daily life, governance, and responsible development gain prominence. The Vice President of Worldwide AI Initiatives at an American multinational technology company predicts a shift from global AI governance discussions to the establishment of dedicated bodies focused on it. The Head of Privacy and Data Ethics at the National Australia Bank foresees a delicate balance between big data and minimising unnecessary data collection.
In this evolving landscape, a global expert in AI, international law, and governance underscores the increasing importance of governance as litigation rises and companies adopt more technology. She advocates for mindful scepticism, inclusivity in decision-making, and a recognition that technology cannot solve all challenges.
OpenGov Asia earlier reported that Australia launched an initiative aimed at fostering the safe and seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the operational frameworks of its businesses. Spearheaded by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, the Australian Government’s Artificial Intelligence Adopt Program is set to allocate AU$17 million to establish up to five AI Adopt centres strategically positioned across the country.
The program invites applications from Australian businesses, research institutions, and industry partners equipped with the expertise to deliver comprehensive training and upskilling packages tailored to the unique needs of businesses. These centres, strategically aligned with the key priority areas outlined in the National Reconstruction Fund, will serve as hubs of excellence, each dedicated to specific industries.
