"SHAKE IT OFF" TO A NEW YEAR: PUBLIC SECTOR'S 2024 FORECAST WITH A SWIFT LOOK BACK AT 2023

Written By: Chet Hayes, Vertosoft CTO

As we “Begin Again” in 2024, let’s first “Look What You Made Me Do” in 2023, reflecting on the predictions for public sector organizations.

2023: A Swift Recap

  1. Generative AI (GenAI): The “Wildest Dreams” Came True
    Just like Taylor Swift captures hearts in music, GenAI was the “Love Story” in tech. It went from “Invisible” to “The Man”, proving to be more “Enchanted” than we ever imagined.
  2. Data Governance: The “King of My Heart”
    While GenAI was busy being the “Starlight”, Data Governance played the crucial role of “The Lucky One” backstage. Remember, “You Belong With Me” says AI to Data – they’re an inseparable duo.
  3. Operational Technology Cybersecurity: “Out of the Woods”? Not Quite
    This was our “Fearless” prediction. Cyber threats targeting cyber-physical systems became the “Bad Blood” of the sector, with agencies struggling to “Shake It Off”.
  4. Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR): A “Story of Us” That’s Yet to Unfold
    We thought VR/AR would be “The Next Big Thing”, but it turned out to be “Everything Has Changed” but not as dramatically as expected. More of a “Speak Now” rather than a loud bang.

2024: Predictions with a “Swift” Touch

  1. Generative AI (LLMs): Ready for It? The “Eras” Tour Continues
    GenAI is set to be the “Starlight” again, evolving from a “Delicate” phase to a powerhouse. Large Language Models will be like Taylor’s hits – everywhere and unavoidable.
  2. Data Governance: The “Invisible String” That Holds It All Together
    As the GenAI “Eras” tour rocks on, Data Governance remains the “End Game”. It’s the “Holy Ground” that ensures GenAI doesn’t turn into a “Sad Beautiful Tragic”.
  3. Quantum Computing: “Welcome To New York” – The Quantum Era
    This is where the public sector plays “The Last Great American Dynasty”. Quantum Computing is the new “Blank Space”, promising to “Change” cryptographic security forever.
  4. Secure Software Supply Chain: “Safe & Sound” in the Digital World
    2024 will see agencies becoming “The Archer”, aiming for stronger software security. It’s all about “Keeping Your Eyes Open” and ensuring the supply chain is “Clean”.
  5. Cybersecurity: “Long Live” the Integrated Approach
    With cyber threats turning into “State of Grace” challenges, agencies need to blend OT and IT like a “Perfectly Good Heart”. Think “Fearless” strategies to combat “Invisible” threats.

As we “Begin Again” in 2024, let’s channel our inner Taylor Swift and embrace a “Fearless” outlook. May our public sector narrative be a “Love Story” with success, where challenges transform into “Enchanted” opportunities. It’s time to be “Fearless” in our aspirations, turning “I Knew You Were Trouble” into triumphs. Are we “Ready for It”? Absolutely! Let’s step into 2024 with a “Shake It Off” spirit and “Wildest Dreams” strategies, ready to write our own “Blank Space” in the annals of public service. Here’s to a year where we can all proclaim “Look What You Made Me Do” in the best way possible! 🌟