Tech Predictions 2024: How Did I Do?

At the start of every year, it’s always fascinating to look at where technology might take us. Twelve months on, it’s worth stepping back and asking: What actually happened? Looking back on my predictions for 2024, some trends played out as expected, others are still emerging, and a couple are moving slower than I’d hoped. Here’s how I think we did.

1. AI in Manufacturing – The Big Productivity Leap

I predicted that AI and machine learning would make significant strides in driving productivity, particularly in manufacturing. This wasn’t about replacing humans but working alongside them to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline processes.

Looking at 2024, I think this one landed. Companies like Intelliam AI, which went public in July, made headlines by showing exactly how AI can be applied to deliver real productivity gains in manufacturing. Meanwhile, initiatives like Siemens’ Factory of the Future implemented AI across their operations to optimize output and quality.

The real story here is that AI isn’t about robots taking jobs – it’s about people and machines working together smarter. That’s where we’ve seen real progress, and there’s plenty more to come.

🔗 Siemens Factory of the Future

2. A Manufacturing Renaissance and Onshoring

I hoped to see a renaissance in manufacturing, with less labour-intensive, tech-driven processes enabling companies to bring production back onshore – creating high-quality jobs here in the UK.

This prediction has proven partially correct. Globally, the conversation about onshoring has accelerated, spurred on by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Industries like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing are leading the way.

However, while the talk is there, the jobs haven’t returned at the pace I’d hoped for. That said, I still believe the UK is well-placed to seize this opportunity – but we need to move faster if we want to reclaim our place as a manufacturing powerhouse.

3. NFTs for Fractional Ownership – A Real-World Use Case

I argued that NFTs would move beyond the hype of cartoon avatars and start being used to create fractional ownership of real-world assets.

It’s slow going, but there are clear signs this trend is emerging. Companies like RealT are tokenizing real estate, enabling investors to own fractional shares of physical properties and earn rental income. Platforms like Courtyard.io are doing the same for high-value collectables – think Pokémon cards stored securely in vaults. Then there’s WiV Technology, which allows investors to trade tokens representing ownership of fine wines, safely stored in professional vaults.

This is a glimpse of what’s possible: unlocking liquidity in traditionally illiquid assets. It’s early days, but I stand by this prediction – the utility of NFTs is real, and it’s starting to show.

🔗 RealT – Fractional Real Estate Ownership

🔗 Courtyard.io – Tokenized Collectibles

4. Copyright and AI – The Battle Begins

I said 2024 would see the rise of a major legal and ethical debate around AI training data and copyright, and I think this one has played out exactly as predicted.

The New York Times lawsuit against OpenAI was a watershed moment, raising questions about how AI models like ChatGPT and DALL·E are trained using copyrighted content without permission. Getty Images has taken legal action too, as AI image generators pump out eerily similar visuals.

What’s more, people are now noticing AI-generated doppelgangers of themselves – unsettlingly familiar faces created from the billions of images harvested online. As public awareness grows, the debate over privacy, consent, and AI ethics will only intensify. This is a story that’s far from over.

🔗 New York Times vs OpenAI

5. Gambling Regulation in the UK – Still a Long Way to Go

This was more of a hope than a prediction – that we’d finally see real action to regulate the gambling industry in the UK.

Sadly, the problem persists. Gambling companies continue to bombard users with free bets, constant notifications, and predatory incentives, all designed to fuel addiction. Watching a Premier League match still means being hit with gambling ads every 21 seconds – a figure that speaks for itself.

Compare this to the financial sector, where regulations require clear risk warnings, transparency, and strict safeguards. Gambling remains far behind, and vulnerable individuals are paying the price. It’s time for real accountability.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Looking back, I’m pleased with where my predictions landed, particularly around AI in manufacturing and the growing debate over AI copyright issues. Onshoring and NFTs are slower to take shape but undeniably moving in the right direction. Gambling regulation remains a glaring issue – one that I hope to see tackled with real urgency in the months ahead.

Later this week, I’ll be sharing my tech predictions for 2025. If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that while technology moves fast, the societal and economic impacts often take time to catch up.