2023 Business Tech Predictions CIOs Should Know

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With 2022 coming to a close and the holiday season upon us, your thoughts may well be about what the new year will bring in terms of technological developments. This can be especially true if you are the CIO (chief information officer) for a small or medium-sized business since your knowledge and foresight will significantly impact your operations for the coming year. So get ahead of the game with these 2023 business tech predictions that CIOs should know and help ensure your company's success. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Will Become Increasingly Important 

Although neither form of technology is new to businesses, one 2023 tech prediction for your business is that the importance of AI and ML(artificial intelligence and machine learning) will only become more pronounced. Despite some legitimate concerns over trusting such tools to handle their tasks independently persist, AI and ML are more critical than ever for helping you to make the best possible decisions based on available data. It is undoubtedly true that these technologies have helped to eliminate busy work and automate tasks that would otherwise require human input, and it is only reasonable to expect an increase in 2023. 

Although you may be somewhat concerned about AI and ML tools leading to a loss of human resources, current thinking indicates this will not be the case. Instead, these technical tools will create new opportunities. Automation tools need to be designed and created with human input by necessity, allowing tedious but vital tasks to be accomplished while also making employees increasingly valuable in ensuring that said tools operate accurately and efficiently. While 2023 business tech will likely see increased usage of AI and ML technologies, the human beings behind their creation will be more critical than ever. 

Gaps in IT Talents Will be Addressed Though Hiring and Upskilling 

Even though much is still unknown about the coming year and its implications on technology, you should strongly consider using 2023 to close any gaps in employee education. Since remote work is becoming more prevalent across various industries, CIOs will undoubtedly have a larger talent pool to pull from, regardless of physical location. For current full-time office workers who may not necessarily come from a background steeped in using modern technology, upskilling or educating employees will become increasingly important. 

Given the relative scarcity of remote positions and the fierce competition that goes into successfully being hired for one, fully remote workers have every incentive to develop and maintain technical skills and talents which benefit their employer. As remote workers and jobs become increasingly prevalent, 2023 will provide CIOs with a plethora of skilled workers seeking employment and able to bring said skills to bear. Such employees can also help to create the basis for successfully upskilling your current workers through education and training. 

There are several options for upskilling your existing workforce, including setting up opportunities for internships and creating incentive programs for employees to develop new skills and even new career paths within your organization. As a result, not only will your employees feel more empowered and able to contribute directly to the overall success of your business, but you will also be able to help workers without backgrounds in advanced technology quickly get up to speed. In addition, taking the time and resources to invest in improved employee knowledge and skills will help ensure effective operations while encouraging professional development. 

Incorporating Advanced Tech into Buildings Will Create "Intelligent Facilities" 

Regardless of your particular feeling over ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and its role in the world of business, there is no doubt that regulations inspired by these concerns can have a tangible impact on your business and its public image. The rise of the informed and more ethical consumer has caused increased pressure on companies to change how they do business. In addition, ESG has also inspired organizations like the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) to require specific disclosures from companies regarding ESG-related issues so that investors can make informed decisions. Given the power of advanced technology to monitor and record such data for such reporting and an increased desire for a higher living standard overall, it only makes sense that one tech prediction for 2023 will see the proliferation of so-called "intelligent facilities."  

Also known as smart facilities, these buildings of the future are fully capable of self-monitoring several factors, including air quality, detecting and preventing potential health issues from occurring, and providing quantifiable data on the general quality of life for any inhabitants. In addition, these buildings can perform advanced operations, such as adjusting settings like temperature, internet access, and overall energy consumption, to help reduce costs and improve efficiency. With capabilities touching on several related technology fields, including security, health, and safety, intelligent facilities are expected to make 2023 buildings smarter than ever. 

By investing in a smart facility, you will be effectively creating an office or other business location that can automatically detect and respond to external stimuli without needing your direct input. As intelligent facilities continue to grow in popularity, 2023 CIOs should strongly consider the costs and benefits of implementing such systems for their respective businesses. 

While anything short of having a working crystal ball makes predicting the tech trends of 2023 rather tricky, this will hopefully help you stay ahead of the game. Check out our other business-related articles for more tips on technology and how it can best serve you. 

About Dan Martin: Daniel Martin is a technology researcher and writer with more than a decade of experience. He is a professional librarian and an experienced tech teacher, writer and blogger. Specializing in technology, Dan has taught courses in technology and writing at the college level, developed web pages for businesses and higher educational institutions, written on tech topics for leading national publications and created numerous how-to guides.