Accelerating Digital Transformation: Insights from Info-Tech Live 2024

  In an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, staying ahead in the IT landscape is crucial for organisations worldwide. In September 2024, Sherwin Ragoonanan, Head of Operations at iGovTT, traveled to Las Vegas to participate in Info-Tech Live — a premiere event focused on the latest advancements in IT governance, AI, and market analysis. This trip aimed to deepen understanding of how exponential growth in technology—particularly due to artificial intelligence—can enhance public sector services in Trinidad and Tobago.  

The Shift to Exponential IT

  The primary focus of Info-Tech Live this year was the transformative impact of AI on all sectors of business. Previously, the IT value life cycle — how long it takes to see value from IT investment — spanned 24 to 36 months. Now, this has been dramatically shortened to just 3 to 12 months. With an impressive lineup of structured presentations and case studies, attendees gained invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI deployment.  

Key Learnings from Info-Tech Live

  Attendees benefited from a multitude of streams tailored to specific sectors, with a strong focus on the potential risks associated with AI implementation. Martin Bufi, Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group, examined how organisations can assess their risk position when utilising AI tools. It underscored the importance of understanding vulnerabilities, data governance, and the legal implications that could arise from proprietary data usage.   Sherwin noted that while AI can provide definitive responses, it lacks the nuance of human judgment. This highlights the necessity for thorough testing to ensure data accuracy and relevance, avoiding pitfalls that could arise from biases or irrelevant data sets.  

The Future of Technology: Opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago

  With AI taking center stage, Sherwin emphasised the urgency for organisations in Trinidad and Tobago to adopt AI technologies by 2025 to remain competitive. Quantum computing is also on the horizon, promising to further elevate AI capabilities by enabling the processing of multiple languages and complex data sets.  

The Importance of Security in Development

  Another crucial topic discussed was Development, Security and Operations or ‘DevSecOps’ emphasising the need for security in software development processes. This aligns with ongoing discussions within the U.S. government regarding standardised practices to mitigate risks associated with coding, such as leaks and software bugs.  

A Call for Collaboration and Regulation

  As the only representative from Trinidad and Tobago at the conference, Sherwin noted the growing Info-Tech subscriber base, which increased by nearly 100% over the past year. This indicates a rising awareness of the need for regulatory frameworks in the IT space, particularly concerning data privacy and management.   The insights gathered from Info-Tech Live highlight the critical role that organisations like iGovTT can play in fostering public confidence in data handling practices. By actively engaging with stakeholders and asking probing questions about risks and requirements, iGovTT can pave the way for a safer and more efficient digital landscape in Trinidad and Tobago.   As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, events like Info-Tech Live provide essential knowledge that can empower organisations to adapt and thrive. By embracing emerging technologies, Trinidad and Tobago has the opportunity to lead in digital transformation, ultimately enhancing the lives of its citizens. The journey ahead may be complex, but with the right insights and collaborative efforts, a brighter, more efficient digital future is within reach.