Analyzing Trends and Opportunities in the Age of AI
This article explores a framework for analyzing trends, the significance of AI, opportunities within the AI landscape, and the emergence of the Agent Economy.
The "What, So What, Why Now, What Now" Framework
The analysis begins with a simple yet powerful framework: What, So What, Why Now, and What Now. This structure helps break down complex topics into manageable questions.
-
What: Identifying the current phenomenon or event. For example, the current popularity of MCP (Model Collaboration Platform).
-
So What: Determining the impact or consequences of the "What." How will it affect things?
-
Why Now: Understanding the reasons behind the current state. Why is this happening now, and not before?
-
What Now: Figuring out the appropriate actions to take in response. What should be done given the current situation and anticipated consequences?
This framework is particularly useful for beginners and can be compared to concepts like identifying limits, obstacles, and goals. The goal represents the desired outcome, the limit is the current starting point, and the obstacles are what need to be overcome to reach the goal. By identifying and addressing obstacles, the goal becomes achievable.
Analyzing Expert Opinions
It's valuable to not only listen to the opinions of institutions and experts but also to analyze the reasons behind their views and the frameworks they use. Understanding their underlying reasoning can be more beneficial in the long run than simply accepting their conclusions.
The Immense Potential of AI
The current AI wave is significant, potentially exceeding the impact of previous technological shifts like the move to the cloud. AI is poised to subvert the entire software market. The rise of Agents is reshaping the service and software industries.
The rapid development of AI is due to the convergence of several factors:
-
Data availability
-
Effective distribution channels
-
Human resources and training infrastructure
These elements have created a powerful environment for AI to flourish.
The Looming AI Wave
While many are focused on current trends, a massive AI wave is forming. It's crucial to prepare for the significant changes that are coming.
Opportunities in the AI Landscape
When comparing AI to previous technological shifts, a significant gap exists in the application layer. This is where many opportunities lie.
-
Model Genetic Applications: Large companies like OpenAI are expanding their model capabilities to cover more and more areas.
-
Startup Focus: Startups can counter this by focusing on specific customer needs, vertical areas, and functions. Addressing complex problems and automating tasks that require extensive manpower, such as outsourced businesses, present substantial opportunities. Outsourcing implies high costs, measurable results, and available budget, making it an ideal area for AI-powered agents.
The value chain from technology to customer satisfaction offers numerous opportunities for innovation and development. A full-scale competitive landscape is emerging.
The Agent Economy
The future will be shaped by the "Agent Economy." Agents will automate transactions on behalf of users, creating a new economic paradigm.
This raises several questions:
-
Will a new communication network centered around Agents emerge?
-
What protocols will this network use?
-
What infrastructure and supporting services will be needed as the number of Agents grows exponentially?
The Agent network and the broader Agent Economy present numerous exciting opportunities.
The Future of AI: Focus on Agents
By 2025, the key focus in AI will be on Agents. Whether working on models or applications, efforts will concentrate on developing and refining Agents.
The popularity of MCP stems from its ability to provide large models with external information and tools, a crucial step in their evolution into Agents. Deep research into information collection and AI programming represents key applications and killer apps for AI.
Two key factors are driving the Agent trend:
-
Decreasing Token Costs: The cost of tokens has drastically decreased compared to previous models.
-
Increasing Agent Accuracy: Within the next two years, Agent task accuracy is expected to reach 92% of human performance.
These trends – increased capability and reduced cost – indicate a clear path forward. It is recommended to take action now to develop applications and create multiple cash flow sources.
{# 
{#