In the rapidly evolving world of technology, innovations continue to reshape our daily lives and industries. To gain insight into the latest developments and future trends, we sat down with Jake O’Gorman, Director of Data, Tech and AI Strategy at Corndel, to discuss their perspective on recent technological advancements. From groundbreaking AI applications to data management solutions, our conversation explores the most impactful innovations of the past year and anticipates the transformative trends on the horizon. Join us as we delve into the exciting realm of tech innovation and its potential to revolutionise various sectors in the coming years.
What’s been one of your favourite tech innovations in the last year?
There have been some very exciting developments in the past year, yet the most exciting for me have been the growing advancements in data governance and management, with Seattle-based Gable.ai pioneering the first really scalable technology for data contracts. How we effectively manage data between the upstream and downstream is a massive bottleneck to effective enterprise AI adoption.
What is one trend you foresee will change up the tech world in the next year?
I’m excited to see some big leaps in how we can augment the role of a Software Engineer. Advancements like Cognition AI’s Devin, dubbed ‘The First AI Software Engineer,’ hint at what is coming. Devin has surpassed previous benchmarks in bug-fixing capabilities (13.86% compared to GPT -4’s 1.75%). Whilst the hurdles are significant, it will be interesting to see if augmenting aspects of the role could free time and energy for other parts, such as requirements engineering, where humans have an outsized benefit.
What is a dream brand you would like to work with, and why?
I’ve been fortunate to work with many outstanding organisations on their data strategies and to help them think about their future skills needs. At Corndel, we manage 80% of England’s charity apprenticeships, and there’s something great about seeing amazing charities of all sizes use emerging technologies to increase their impact [Link to Hospice UK case study]. I’d take more of those over any big name.
If you could change one thing in the industry, what would it be?
One change I’d advocate for is a deeper, more nuanced conversation around the future of data and tech skills. There is much commentary on the potential long-term changes to our workplaces, and they tend to exist in distinct camps like ‘we have a huge skills shortage’ or ‘with AI, nobody will need data skills anymore’. The trouble for most executives is that this isn’t very helpful when deciding what decisions to take today. Only when we spend time can we see how seemingly contradictory stances aren’t mutually exclusive and start thinking about what we can do.
And finally, if you could invent any piece of technology, what would it be?
Perhaps a machine that can look at any AI output and instantly know if it was trained on a copyrighted source. New models such as Sora look fantastic, yet lawyers will have a field day making sure their clients aren’t getting into trouble—otherwise, AI Regulations Harmoniser. As nations and supranational bodies start bringing out their own AI regulations, it will be pretty confusing for international organisations. So, we’d benefit from a nifty device that magically makes them all work together.
The convergence of tech and brands 