Emerging Technology_ Key Challenges and Opportunities

9/5/24, 3:01 AM Emerging Technology: Key Challenges and Opportunities
Emerging Technology: Key Challenges and

Opportunities
Author: Engr. Muhammad Mushfiqur Rahman, CISA, CCISO, CISSP, OSCP, PMP, LPT (Master),
CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CDPSE, CEH, CHFI, ECSA, CSA, CTIA, CLPTP, ISO 27001 LA, CND, COBIT5,
MCP, MCSA, MCSE,MCTS, MCITP, OCP, SCSA, Prince2, ITIL, MCT, PCT, ECI, APMGAT, Chief
Information Technology Officer (CITO), First Security Islami Bank PLC
Date Published: 3 September 2024
In this article, I will explore the multifaceted influence of emerging technologies on diverse aspects of human experience,
encompassing personal, societal, organizational and national levels. These technological advancements are fundamentally
reshaping the social fabric, impacting everything from communication patterns to information access. A comprehensive
analysis of both the advantageous and disadvantageous consequences will equip us to effectively navigate this intricate
landscape.
Emerging technologies are those that are still under development or are just starting to be adopted on a large scale. They
have the potential to significantly change the way we live, work and interact with the world around us. Here are some key
characteristics of emerging technologies:
Novelty: They can be entirely new inventions or fresh applications of existing technologies.
Rapid growth: They are typically evolving and improving at a fast pace.
Impact: They have the potential to disrupt existing industries and create new ones.
Uncertainty: Their long-term effects can be difficult to predict.
Here are some examples of emerging technologies:

Artificial intelligence (AI): Machines with the ability to learn and perform tasks that typically require human
intelligence.
Internet of Things (IoT): A network of everyday devices embedded with sensors that collect and exchange data.
Blockchain: A secure digital ledger system for recording transactions anonymously.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Technologies that create immersive experiences that can be
either entirely virtual or blend the virtual with the real world.
Robotics: Machines designed to perform tasks autonomously or with human assistance.
Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their byproducts to develop new products and technologies.
Nanotechnology: The manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level.
The specific technologies that are considered “emerging” can change over time. As technologies mature and become more
widely adopted, they may no longer be considered emerging. However, there will always be new technologies on the horizon
that are poised to change the world.
The rapid adoption of recently emerged technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things,
virtual reality, big data, blockchain, and machine learning, has undoubtedly introduced a wave of conveniences. However,
this progress is not without its challenges. Issues surrounding privacy, ethical considerations and the digital divide require
our immediate and focused attention. As we navigate this evolving technological landscape, it is imperative to strike a
delicate balance between embracing progress and ensuring the responsible use of these powerful tools.
What are the main emerging technology opportunities?

Emerging technologies offer a wide range of exciting opportunities across many sectors. Here are some of the key areas
where they’re making a big impact:
https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/newsletters/atisaca/2024/volume-17/emerging-technology-key-challenges-and-opportunities 1/2
9/5/24, 3:01 AM Emerging Technology: Key Challenges and Opportunities
Enhanced efficiency and productivity: Automation, artificial intelligence and the IoT can streamline processes,
reduce errors and free up human workers to focus on more complex tasks. This can lead to significant gains in
efficiency and productivity across various industries.
Improved communication and connectivity: Technologies like 5G networks, cloud computing and video
conferencing platforms are making communication and collaboration easier and faster than ever before. This fosters
better global connections and remote work opportunities.
Advancements in healthcare and education: Emerging technologies are transforming healthcare with tools for
telemedicine, precision medicine and drug discovery. In education, personalized learning platforms and virtual reality
can create more engaging and effective learning experiences.
Improved safety and security: Advancements in areas like facial recognition, cybersecurity and autonomous vehicles
have the potential to significantly improve public safety and security.
Innovation and job creation: Emerging technologies are constantly creating new products, services and industries.
This can lead to exciting job opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics and renewable energy.
Environmental sustainability: Technologies like solar power, wind energy and smart grids can help us transition to a
more sustainable future. They can improve energy efficiency and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Greater accessibility: Assistive technologies like prosthetics and speech recognition software can improve the lives of
people with disabilities. Emerging technologies also have the potential to bridge the digital divide and provide greater
access to information and communication for everyone.
What are the main emerging technology challenges?

While emerging technologies present a plethora of opportunities, their potential benefits can be compromised by inadequate
management. The following identifies some of the key challenges that emerging tech brings about:
Vulnerability of critical infrastructure: Technologies like the IoT can introduce new attack vectors for critical
infrastructure like power grids and communication networks. These interconnected systems, once compromised, could
cause widespread disruption and even physical damage.
Cybersecurity threats: Emerging technologies often have complex security vulnerabilities that malicious actors can
exploit. This includes everything from stealing sensitive data to manipulating information flows to disrupt national
security operations.
Economic espionage and intellectual property theft: State and non-state actors may target companies or research
institutions working on cutting-edge technologies. This stolen intellectual property could be used to develop weapons
or gain a competitive advantage.
Autonomous weapons and malicious AI: The development of autonomous weapons systems and powerful AI raises
ethical and security concerns. In the wrong hands, these technologies could be used to launch devastating attacks
without human intervention.
Disinformation and social manipulation: Powerful AI and data analytics tools can be used to spread misinformation
and manipulate public opinion. This can undermine social cohesion and destabilize governments.
Privacy concerns: The vast amount of data collected by emerging technologies raises serious privacy concerns. This
data could be misused for surveillance, social control or even blackmail. The integration of emerging technologies
presents a concomitant challenge in safeguarding privacy and security. These advancements can introduce
vulnerabilities, such as data breaches and the potential for misappropriation of personal data. This has engendered
significant concerns regarding the protection of personal information and the necessity of robust security protocols.
Social isolation: A rise in technology use can correlate with a decline in face-to-face interactions. This has
engendered concerns regarding the impact of technology on the maintenance of social connections, necessitating a
balanced approach that fosters both technological integration and meaningful human interaction.
To maximize the societal benefits of emerging technologies, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes:
Developing policies and regulations that protect citizens’ rights and privacy
Encouraging the development of workers’ skills through retraining and upskilling initiatives
Fostering domestic academic research, industrial innovation and the development of indigenous software and
solutions through collaborative efforts from academia, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, procurement agencies
and the government
https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/newsletters/atisaca/2024/volume-17/emerging-technology-key-challenges-and-opportunities 2/2

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9/5/24, 3:01 AM Emerging Technology: Key Challenges and Opportunities

Emerging Technology: Key Challenges and

Here are some examples of emerging technologies:

What are the main emerging technology opportunities?

What are the main emerging technology challenges?

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