Amanda Fawcett2020 is on its way out, and we're ushering in a new year. As 2021 approaches, business and technology experts are beginning to make their predictions for the technology trends that will follow.
At Educative, we have a lot of insight into the tech industry, and we work with dozens of experts to curate relevant, industry-standard courses.
So, we have some thoughts about the technology trends that lie ahead in this new year. Read on as we discuss our top 6 technology trends that you should look out for. We hope these offer insight into your investments, career changes, or even just hobbyist adventures you embark upon.
Our predictions at a glance:
- Trend 1: Data Science and A.I. continue to dominate
- Trend 2: Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies will rise
- Trend 3: E-learning is here to stay
- Trend 4: Telehealth will boom
- Trend 5: Mega-bets by venture capitalists is fading
- Trend 6: Cloud Native Technology as the new norm
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Trend 1: Data Science and A.I. continue to dominate
The use of big data and AI has risen significantly in 2020, and it is predicted to dominate in 2021 as well. We expect to see a growing demand for skills and tools related to artificial intelligence, big data, and industrial automation technology.
As the lockdowns come to a close, the issue of workers shortages may be a serious issue that technologies of automation and robotics will solve. In fact, nearly every industry and sector has implemented AI or machine learning components/concepts for core operations.
Even insurance companies and banks expect an 86% increase in AI investments in the next four years.
New, user-friendly AI platforms will be developed to allow business employees without a background in data science to quickly build models and use AI informed tools.
What does this mean for you?
Consider learning technologies used in data science, robotics, and AI, such as Python, C++, Pandas, and TensorFlow.
Trend 2: Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies will rise
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have grown in 2020, and we predict a similar trend for 2021. AR and VR are now part of our every day life, and they are used in dozens of industries from gaming to business to mental health services. COVID-19 has even accelerated this technology with the adoption of virtual communication.
AR is used in all sorts of future-focused technologies that are also gaining traction, including indoor navigation, remote assistance, eye tracking, and virtual sports events. Experts also predict that the use of AR and VR will also accelerate 5G networking.
Companies around the world are investing in VR/AR technologies and hiring talent. Look out for Microsoft, Gramercy Tech, Quytech, RealWorld One, and more.
What does this mean for you?
Consider learning VR and AR technologies such as ARKit, C++, C#, Unity, Unreal Engine, and ARCore.
Trend 3: E-learning is here to stay
The online learning industry has already been on the rise for the past years, but COVID-19 lockdowns have accelerated its adoption to everyday life. And all the evidence suggests that it is here to stay.
As teachers, students, and administrators have adapted to this new style of learning, it has forever changed the traditional educational pipeline. Even L&D teams in many organizations have thrown own old ongoing education patterns for good. Many institutions have even recommended to offer their curriculums online after lockdowns subside.
What does this mean for you?
Start getting familiar with online learning by taking a course. Check out Educative's Learning Paths for a curated, online learning experience.
Trend 4: Telehealth will boom
Much like online learning, institutions in health care have adopted virtual communications for basic health care needs. Both private and public health care practices have implemented telehealth services in 2020, and this will continue in the near year.
These services that will boom include doctor-patient video chats, AI-based diagnostics, and no-contact medication delivery.
Telehealth visits have surged by 50% compared to previous years, and Forrester Research predicts that the number of virtual care visits in the US will reach more than a billion in 2021. In this field, we also predict advancements in biotech and AI to support these virtual diagnosis and service admin work.
Trend 5: Mega-bets by venture capitalists is fading
The days of mega-bets by venture capitalists may be fading in the new year. Evidence shows that tech investments are becoming more sustainable and inclusive than in years past.
In years past, venture capitalism has been a "winner takes all" world, and investors have made enormous bets on businesses that weren't prepared to follow through on profitability in order to dominate their markets. That approach fed several of the dominating companies we have today, including Uber.
But things are changing now, and 2021 will look very different for venture capitalism as this strategy has proved fragile and dangerous. Huge investors like Softbank have communicated that mega-bets are over and a new approach is on the way.
Trend 6: Cloud Native Technology as the new norm
One of the biggest changes we saw in 2020 was the migration from old workspaces to work from home via cloud technologies. Cloud-based platforms are being pushed and spread to almost all industries. We expect to see continued growth and developments in 2021.
We predict that cloud native technology will bring about a digital transformation. Evidence suggests that the global cloud market will grow 35%, reaching more than $120 billion in 2021. With these changes come a rise in modular, agile architectures much like multi-stack software.
Software as a service (SaaS) will likely continue as the largest market segment for end-user cloud, but application infrastructure services (PaaS) are predicted to grow at a higher rate of nearly 27% in the coming year.
What does this mean for you?
Consider learning cloud architecture and technologies to keep up with the trends. AWS continues to dominate in the market and is a good place to start.
Wrapping up
As 2020 comes to a close, and the new year brings with it a whole new world of trends and possibilities, consider expanding your horizons and learning something new.
The effects of COVID-19 are here to stay in the tech industry, and we predict that the tech industry overall will see a boom as we readjust to a new normal.
Consider reskilling or even starting a new career in 2021. Check out Educative's Learning Paths for a curated learning experience.
