2022 was the year where were saw a glimpse of what the future could indeed look like in the world of digital in not only 2023, but beyond that. Metaverse experiences are creating an alternative world, AI’s influence remains strong as ever and sustainable tech could be a key solution to environmental challenges. We look at  five tech trends that are set to reshape 2023 and beyond. 

AI maintains its strong presence 
 

If AI hasn’t already entered the mainstream in 2022, then 2023 is set to be its breakout year! AI is slowly being embedded in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and education. As well as its growing influence on services and how jobs are being changed in definitely, it continues to play a role in our everyday lives. Google search uses AI to modify how pages are ranked, and security measures for apps such as face ID and image recognition are coming into play more regularly now. 

Shopping and retail experiences will continue to be reshaped by AI in 2023. The retail experience is evolving with artificial intelligence (AI) changing how items can be bought and sold; and by gathering and analysing customer data in real-time, AI is helping in getting a better understanding of customer behaviours and needs, whilst eventually creating a personalized customer experience strategy. 

Some of the AI trends we expect to see in 2023 include AI for healthcare, AI & The Internet of Things, The No-Code Revolution, and AI for Cybersecurity.  

Metaverse is the future 
 

We have seen a glimpse of what the metaverse will offer in 2023 and beyond. A world where AR and VR tech boundaries are pushed to the very limit, the metaverse offers solutions that see users “living” in the digital world. Just like AI, the metaverse has provided solutions to sectors such as fashion and automotive; and will reshape them in 2023. 

Companies will be thinking more about the metaverse in the next year or two; and how they can introduce more immersive technologies and bring the digital world to life. Global brands have made a head-start with this as Nike opened up their metaverse store; seeing 7 million visitors. Gucci also partnered with Roblox during the height of the pandemic to create a virtual Gucci garden, a virtual version of the actual Gucci garden in Florence. 

As well as the customer experience, there are questions about the impact the metaverse could have on employees. Could meetings be conducted in the metaverse rather than Zoom? 

Programmable world 
 

As the world becomes more digitized and virtual, our ability to control it becomes greater. With self-driving cars becoming more and more of a possibility, the ability to repair cars by plugging them into a computer, diagnosing their faults whilst analysing every aspect of their performance. Not just with cars, even our household appliances including scales and kettles are being programmed. In the healthcare sector, medicines and vaccines can be programmed to target specific diseases. 

One of the big ways in which a programmable world is changing the outlook, is how it drives efficiency and engagement, whilst reducing cost and effort. Digital technology is really going to change the whole world, not just the way that technology is used in companies.

Blockchain technology 

2023 will see an increase in various blockchain technologies, building trust in the process. 

These include trends such as NFT’s that will allow us to record digital ownership of things. Blockchain and WEB 3 technologies will allow more of us to manage our digital identities; changing many industries as a result. We have seen companies such as Airbnb and Uber do this particularly well; allowing customers to pay for things like parking and toll fees. Top-tier cryptocurrencies soared to their all-time high values pushed by active participation from investors across the world.

Some of the biggest blockchain technologies we expect to continue to see in October include: 
 

• Central Bank Digital Currencies 
• NFT’s to become bigger 
• The rise of the Metaverse 
• Eco-Friendly Blockchain 

Blockchain offers improved security, transparency, immutability of data, and accessibility in comparison to conventional networks. It will remain one of the biggest digital technologies in 2023. 

Sustainability 
 

It’s clear we’re close to a new dawn of innovation; and sustainable technology is at the heart of that. Sustainability will continue to provide more solutions to help society become more sustainable. 

Consumers are beginning to turn to climate-conscious living, brands will need to ensure their missions and values align with consumer expectations. We are seeing data centres that are carbon negative; using not just sustainable energy, but also generating energy themselves and this is making a big difference to the planet. 

Consumers are more in tune with Samsung have partnered with Patagonia and launched its Global Goals program. The emerging environmental sustainability trends to lookout for in 2023 include cloud sustainability, Advanced Grid Management Software and three emissions scopes of carbon footprint measures.