Imagine looking through a telescope into the future—what do you see? Technology, AI, and everything in between are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and today marks the slowest point in that journey. Things might feel fast now, but what’s coming next is going to be transformative in ways we can’t yet fully grasp.
I recently found myself drawn to futurists—those brave enough to predict what’s around the corner. From Pippa Malmgren to Peter Zeihan, and the visionary Ray Kurzweil, they’re helping me see the big picture in a world where it’s easy to feel like you’re barely keeping up. But it was Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute, who really hit home for me when she spoke at SXSW 2024. Her message? The future is coming faster than we think, and the time to prepare is now. Watch her Tech Trend Report SXSW talk.
Key Takeaways From the Trend Report and Excerpts From Her Talk
“Today is the worst that our technology will ever be.” – Amy Webb, Future Today Institute
A New Supercycle is Here
We are in what Webb calls a “tech supercycle.” Imagine a wave of innovation so potent it will completely reshape industries, economies, and even our daily lives. This supercycle is being driven by the big three: artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and wearable devices. These advancements are rapidly becoming less of a novelty and more of a norm in our lives, whether we’re ready or not. It’s a fascinating, and perhaps slightly unnerving, thought. But the opportunity within this disruption is enormous.
“The wave of innovation that’s coming is so intense and so potent and so pervasive, it will literally reshape our human existence in ways that I think are exciting and good and absolutely terrifying.” – Amy Webb
Artificial intelligence: Preparing for transformation
AI has left the realm of sci-fi and is now a tangible, everyday tool, especially in marketing. We use it to create more personalized experiences, predict customer behavior, and optimize campaigns. But as with any powerful tool, it comes with responsibility. As Voltaire famously said, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and this couldn’t be more relevant than it is for AI today.
“Sometime in the next two years, AI will have run out of the internet. We will have used up all our high-quality text and data, which will slow down AI’s progress. So, companies are inventing new devices to sell to us so they can get more data in.” – Amy Webb
Web3: From Concept to Reality
Web3—the next iteration of the internet—has been brewing for a while, but after some recent stumbles, it’s poised for a comeback. Built on decentralized technology, it’s putting control back in the hands of users. Blockchain and data security are front and center in this new wave, with implications for everything from advertising to how we manage personal data.
In marketing, we’ve already seen browsers block third-party cookies and platforms like Gmail and Apple enforce tighter authentication measures. The landscape is changing, and companies that fail to adapt will be left behind.
The metaverse: Moving Toward Real-life Applications
For a while, the metaverse felt like a fantasy world, but with AI and augmented reality (AR) merging, we’re seeing real-world applications take shape. Apple’s new headset, for example, integrates digital experiences into the real world. It’s a clear sign that the metaverse is maturing, and although the technology is still expensive, it’s a sign of what’s to come and the possibility of brands extending their experiences.
Finance: It’s Time for Digital Transformation
At Flint, we’ve been paying close attention to the financial sector, and it’s clear that digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s inevitable. Banks and financial institutions are adopting AI to streamline compliance and risk management, and open banking is expanding access like never before. Even cryptocurrencies, once seen as fringe, are now becoming integrated into mainstream financial services.
One interesting example? Wells Fargo’s in-app AI tool “Fargo,” which helps manage everything from spending to account alerts. It’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Healthcare: Where Biology Meets Digital
The healthcare industry is on the cusp of something extraordinary. The fusion of digital technology and biology is enabling breakthroughs that were once unimaginable. From cells that can produce medicine on-demand to AI systems that monitor health data and create personalized wellness plans, the future of healthcare is both exciting and daunting.
As someone who works extensively in the healthcare sector, I’m particularly interested in how these innovations can make healthcare more accessible and affordable, while improving patient outcomes.
Navigating the Future: Respond, Don’t React
The future is barreling toward us, and the question isn’t if we’ll adapt, but how. As Seth Godin puts it, “when faced with change, we can deny, give up, control, or respond.” There’s really only one right answer: respond.
At Flint, we’re excited about how these trends, particularly AI, can help streamline processes, improve results, and transform marketing strategies. We’re embracing the future—and we’re ready to help you do the same.
What trends are you most excited about? Let’s start a conversation and see how we can leverage these innovations to transform your business.
