CES 2024: Big Themes for Insurance and How They’ve Changed

By Mark Breading, ReSource Pro —

I’ve been attending CES for many years, always looking at the advancements in technology through an insurance lens. As might be expected, the insurance lens is very broad, given that P&C insurers cover every industry. New technologies are reshaping segments like manufacturing, retail, construction, and many more – understanding these changes will help to ensure the industry is properly addressing evolving risks and customer needs.

At each CES, I try to distill the event into big themes. This year, I’m looking back at the themes I identified in 2019 to see what has changed and evolved in the last five years. Granted, it has been a momentous five years for the insurance industry and the world at large. COVID-19, wars, inflation, and supply chain issues are driving fundamental changes in traditional patterns of work, travel, and commerce.

Here, I share my themes from CES 2019 and how they have morphed into new themes for 2024.

1. AI is Everywhere

This is even more true today than in 2019. There are two big AI themes of 2024. First is the broader emergence of AI and generative AI chips, allowing AI to be embedded more into hardware. Second is the tension between AI for good and AI for harm. Governance, regulation, and management of AI are critical issues for business and society.

2. Technology for Good

Since 2019, there has been an enormous focus on leveraging technology to address important social/human problems. Last year, the HS4A (human security for all) organization was launched. CES2024 had many new technologies and sessions on food security, health, energy, equity, and other vital world issues. It is an increasingly exciting area with much promise.

3. Categories are Blurring

In 2019, this theme was about combining multiple advanced technologies, such as computer vision and machine learning technologies in the aerial imagery space, to create value. Now, there is a grander view leading to the blurring of the real and digital worlds. Last year, there were many developments in the Metaverse space. These were oriented mainly around the consumer, with new haptic controls to incorporate more senses and more tech for creators of virtual worlds.

This year, it is evident that the industrial Metaverse is far outpacing the consumer Metaverse. Digital Twins are increasingly used in the design of buildings, factories, and cities.

4. Data as a Vital Resource

Not much needs to be said about this theme. Data continues to be at the center of the technology and AI revolution, especially as new data types and sources expand dramatically.

5. The Adoption Gap

This is a constant theme at CES. Many of the products featured are not generally available in the market. Even when they do come to market, it often takes time (sometimes years) for adoption to reach a level where it makes a measurable difference. Naturally, there are products that are a hit right away, just as there are others that never find their market and fail. Overall, though, CES is a show that blends real progress with future potential.

There are many other themes in various areas. Digital health options continue to expand. The mobility environment has progressed since 2019, with electric vehicles of all types now available and ADAS/autonomous features in vehicles increasing in sophistication. And sustainability continues to be important.

In conclusion, my updated, restated themes for 2024 are:

The blurring of the digital and real worlds (especially the Industrial Metaverse)
The tension between AI for good and AI for harm
The continued evolution of mobility
New ways to interact with technology (display technology, new UI)
Expanding opportunities for digital health

All of these have been discussed in this blog except for new ways to interact. This is an evolving area – look for more on this in the future, as well as other CES blogs.

About The Author

Mark Breading is known for his insights on the future of the insurance industry and innovative uses of technology. Mark consults with insurers and technology companies on forward-thinking strategies for success in the digital age. His inventive methodologies, fresh ideas, creative conceptualizations, and ability to incorporate InsurTech and transformational tech in business strategies are unparalleled. He also leads SMA’s research program, publishing 25-30 research reports per year and conducting various custom research projects for insurer and vendor clients. His thought leadership in the areas of InsurTech, transformational technologies, customer experience, and digital strategies has earned him a ranking of one of the “Top Global Influencers in InsurTech” by InsurTech News and Onalytica and a place in the ten finalists for the “Top Global IoT in Insurance Influencer Award.”

Before joining SMA in 2009, Mark spent 25 years with IBM in roles including the Global Insurance Strategist and Director of Global Financial Services Executive Conferences in addition to leadership roles in consulting and marketing. Mark co-developed IBM’s Account Based Marketing program and led the global project office to implement ABM across all industry verticals worldwide. Mark has held both technical and business roles in sales, consulting, marketing, and business strategy and has advised insurers around the world for almost 30 years.

About SMA, a ReSource Pro company

At Strategy Meets Action, our clients advance their strategic initiatives and accelerate their transformational journeys by leveraging our forward-thinking insights, deep vendor knowledge, and vast industry expertise. Strategy Meets Action is an advisory firm that works exclusively with insurers, MGAs, and vendors in the P&C market. For more information, visit www.strategymeetsaction.com.

About ReSource Pro

ReSource Pro brings integrated operational solutions to insurance organizations to improve growth, profitability and insurance outcomes. Headquartered in New York, ReSource Pro’s global service centers address client operational needs around the clock. Recognized as an industry thought leader and listed as one of Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies annually since 2009, the company is renowned for its focus on innovation, service excellence and trusted partnerships, and its unique productivity platform for insurance operations. More than 5,000 ReSource Pro employees provide dedicated support to hundreds of insurance organizations, consistently achieving a +97% client retention rate over a decade. For more information, visit www.resourcepro.com.

SOURCE: Strategy Meets Action (SMA)