Blockchain, AI, machine learning: What do CIOs really think are the most exciting tech trends?

Gartner says worldwide IT spending will reach $3.7tr in 2018, a 4.5 percent increase on 2017. The analyst says projects related to digitisation, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI)will be some of the key drivers for growth. But which areas of IT innovation are really the most exciting for technology leaders? Five CIOs give their opinions.

Brad Dowden, CIO at recruitment specialist Airswift, says AI is the most exciting area in IT right not, but he adds an important caveat. While the potential of the technology is huge, Dowden believes too many companies are badging all kinds of developments as AI.

“They’re often just algorithms that are going to solve a set business problem,” he says. “Providers are jumping on the AI bandwagon to sell their products. I haven’t seen many companies doing proper AI yet. Even the big players aren’t there.”

Yet Dowden also recognises the opportunity. He says the power to create strong recommendation engines, in areas like retailing and recruitment, is possible. “In the future, there will be a chance for a firm like ours to look at behaviour patterns and know that an individual is likely to look for a new job in the future,” says Dowden.

However, that day has not arrived yet. When it does, says Dowden, the rise of automation won’t lead to the death of work. “Instead, AI will augment human relationships,” he says. “All the leg work will be automated, you’ll end up with better quality leads and opportunities, and your skilled sales people will be able to focus on one-to-one engagements. It’s exciting but there’s a long way to go.”

Digital advisor Andrew Marks helps businesses use data-led insight to make the most of the information they hold. In his previous role as CIO of Tullow Oil, Marks worked hard to create a value-drive approach to technology leadership. He believes IT leaders will be able to make even better decisions through a new era of big data.

“What’s key is machine learning, which is best-thought of as the automated use of analytics,” says Marks. “When you can gather far more data points about the performance of your organisation, or the assets within the business, and the behaviour of your customers, then machine learning allows you to make automated decisions quickly.”

Marks says the ability to make decisions automatically in real time is an exciting opportunity for all IT leaders. “The average CIO should be able to understand, articulate, and implement the technology in almost any business setting,” he says.

“Done well, machine learning can start to drive huge profitability in organisations, particularly in sectors like retailing, fast-moving consumer goods, and hospitality. Machine learning can provide a big advantage in industries where timing provides a critical advantage. A different style of thinking is refreshing and can bring rewards.”

Julian Burnett, CIO at retailer House of Fraser, has an alternative take to some of his peers. “From my perspective, the most exciting thing that’s happening in IT is going to sound peculiar, but it really is about work around the supply chain and the combination of physical and digital elements,” he says.

Burnett says his firm is looking for the first time at the opportunities of combining physical machinery with people and technology in integrated live processes. House of Fraser is using advanced technology in combination across both the shop-floor and its warehouses.

He gives the example of a project with specialist provider Dematic. The initiative is helping House of Fraser investigate how to integrate voice picking technologies in multiple languages. These technologies will support seasonal workers that use machinery in the firm’s warehouses. Burnett says the potential impact is clear.