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1. 2018: An often bewildering pace of change
In 2018, the pace of technological change will only accelerate – with increasingly complex technologies arriving in the field at a faster and faster rate. Businesses will struggle to keep up, because simply put, they cannot be experts in everything – from AI and blockchain to edge computing and cloud. The priority over 2018 must be working out the best ways that they can use digital technologies and the capabilities required to do so.

2. An intelligent approach to AI
This is particularly pertinent in the realm of artificial intelligence and automation, as real world applications will be released on an almost daily basis. Artificial intelligence can touch almost every part of the business, from automating administrative and compliance functions to providing customer service chatbots; with that in mind, businesses will likely struggle to prioritise areas to first introduce AI. To avoid becoming victim to the AI hype, organisations must work with experts to assess where the technology can provide the most value and then the capabilities required to introduce those solutions.

3. Getting closer to the edge
Connected devices will only continue to grow in popularity, with organisations in fields from food logistics to healthcare realising the advantages of the Internet of Things in gathering and acting on information. This means that in 2018 edge computing will truly come to the fore, as businesses find ways to process and analyse enormous volumes of data. We will even see a resurgence of desktop computing, to provide the processing power to enable the IoT. What will be crucial is working out how the IoT can support better business decisions, and the infrastructure needed to get there.

4. Cashless consumers
In 2018, we will see consumer demands shift ever more towards the digital, with a particular impact on the banking sector. Where cash was once king, it will continue to fall from favour, while more and more consumers will seek the most convenient digital services for transactions like money transfers and insurance. This will have advantages for banks, in reducing the cost of physical infrastructure to support coin handling and the need for branches to provide services. However, it will also lower the barrier for entry for new challengers, meaning banks will have to compete with challengers and even financial services from organisations in other markets.

5. The digital patient
We will see similar disruption in the medical profession, as GP practices and hospitals increasingly adopt digital services. We will begin to move from a ‘physical first’ model to one where patients can access mobile or Skype appointments in the first instance, which in the longer term will be supported by diagnostic information from IoT sensors. Ultimately this will support better treatment pathways and greater efficiency within healthcare. In both industries, these shifts will be driven by the advent of digitally native consumers, who want to see the advantages of digital realised across their everyday lives. However, this is likely to prove challenging for some older consumers, and private and public sector businesses must ensure that these users are not left behind.

6. Digital skills in 2018
Digital technology is vital to the future of the UK, as was reflected in the Autumn Statement. However, to become truly effective in the digital world, we must create a workforce with the skills needed. The government’s announcement on greater support for digital skills, and the expansion of computer science classes into every school, will be vital in placing greater emphasis on quantitative computing and the broader STEM competencies we need. However, it’s equally important that in 2018 we increase routes into the workplace that ensure young people have the digital skills needed, including for example degree level apprenticeships.

We must also continue to fight to increase gender diversity in technical roles and the technology sector. A mixed workforce is vital to ensuring that companies can draw on a range of perspectives and views, to maintain their creativity and innovation. Throughout the year at Fujitsu, we will be aiming to lead the way, with a more balanced intake, promotion of women into senior roles and the creation of role models within our company and for schools. It’s the responsibility of businesses to work with government to address this issue over the next 12 months; after all, it’s in everyone’s interests.