Gartner Research

Top 10 Strategic Technologies — The Rise of Smart Machines

Published: 29 January 2014

ID: G00260830

Analyst(s): Tom Austin

Summary

IT leaders need to aggressively examine and act on the promise, threat and effects of smart machines on work patterns (man-machine collaboration), staffing shifts and enterprise business opportunities.

Table Of Contents
  • Impacts

Analysis

  • Upside
  • Downside

Impacts and Recommendations

  • Collaboration between people and smart machines will make some people far more effective (ultimately reshaping the structure and competitive balance of industries). IT leaders need to actively deal with the threats and opportunities now, while time is on their side.
    • The Nature of Work and Man-Machine Collaboration
    • Timing and Business Returns
  • Enterprises will see cost- and risk-cutting opportunities created by replacing some employees and contractors with smart machines. IT has the opportunity to provide leadership, or be relegated to a passive, execute-only role.

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