Trending Articles
Trending Topics
Trending
Having spent almost 30 years in tech, Andrew Lister has seen the full life-cycle of emerging technologies. Now working as Head of Technology at Greenhouse Software, he’s getting ready for the next major shift for the world of IT, one he believes is coming sooner than we might think.
For Andrew, the next wave of change is already in motion. As he sees it, while “AI is already a leading technology,” it’s still got plenty of room to grow. He predicts AI will only continue to evolve, playing a vital role in “automating tasks and aiding businesses in making better, faster and more informed decisions”.
AI isn’t the only technology on Andrew’s radar though. Quantum computing, while still in its early infancy, is a technology that he’s got high hopes for. He goes as far as predicting that practical utility is “likely five to ten years away for niche applications”, and a mere “ten to 20 years for broader, more impactful use”.
With these massive technological leaps close on the horizon, Andrew is confident that there will continue to be high demand for IT professionals with “core technical skills and the ability to stay updated with emerging technology trends” to manage these fresh innovations.
With the groundworks being laid for the technologies of the future, it’s safe to say that the IT landscape is on the verge of major transformation. That’s why we started our interview by asking Andrew what changes we can be expecting in the short-term.
IT in companies will undergo significant changes in the next few years. AI will play a vital role in automating tasks and aiding businesses in making better, faster and more informed decisions. IT teams will transition from merely addressing issues to focusing on shaping and executing company’s strategy.
Another major shift is that non-experts increasingly create software solutions using AI-generated code and low- or no-code platforms. This will foster innovation and require IT teams to enhance security, governance and oversight management. At Greenhouse, we understand the importance of staying agile and continually learning and refining our AI, IoT and cybersecurity skills to remain effective in this rapidly evolving environment.
AI is already a leading technology, as seen by its adoption rates in companies over the last few years. Its automation, decision-making, predictive analytics, software engineering and cybersecurity applications will fundamentally alter how we manage and develop our systems.
Quantum computing remains in its early stages, and its practical utility for most industries is likely five to ten years away for niche applications and ten to 20 years for broader, more impactful use cases. Robotics will extend beyond manufacturing, taking on a larger role in logistics, healthcare, agriculture and everyday household tasks.
The general public is becoming more aware of the environmental impacts of large-scale data centres and technologies such as AI, particularly in relation to their carbon footprints. Companies are striving to balance technological advancements while continuing to pursue efficiency in computing power. One example is the integration of energy-efficient hardware and software solutions to reduce this impact.
The technology to support remote and hybrid work already exists—it’s now about the choices companies make and the culture they want to foster. For organisations that embrace remote work, the opportunity to tap into a broader, more diverse talent pool across geographies is significant. However, succeeding in a remote-first environment requires more than just tools; it demands processes designed for asynchronous work, where people aren’t always online at the same time.
Companies must rethink how they communicate, collaborate and measure outcomes, emphasising clarity, documentation and trust. IT will play a key role in supporting this shift, enabling secure access to systems, seamless collaboration platforms and automation to streamline workflows.
Ultimately, the success of remote and hybrid work will depend not on the technology itself but on how companies use it to create cultures that prioritise flexibility, autonomy and connection.
Core technical skills and the ability to stay updated with emerging technology trends will remain in high demand as these technologies continue to shape IT systems. We know that as businesses like ours use technology to support their business operations more effectively, skills such as systems thinking, strategic planning and translating technical solutions into business value will distinguish professionals from their peers.
For remote-first companies like Greenhouse, asynchronous collaboration tools warrant greater focus. Many companies continue to depend on traditional, meeting-heavy workflows. However, we know firsthand that enhancing systems for efficient async work can unleash productivity and flexibility for globally distributed teams.
