The short version

Mark Ritson predicted on January 1, 2024: “We’ve now reached the point where the data can match a human survey and it can do it almost immediately… By the 2030s, we will be looking at systems that do these things for us.” Verdict: Still evolving. As of mid-2026, synthetic data and AI testing tools are widely used in concept testing…

Prediction by

Mark Ritson

On January 1, 2024

“We’ve now reached the point where the data can match a human survey and it can do it almost immediately… By the 2030s, we will be looking at systems that do these things for us.”

Follow-up

As of mid-2026, synthetic data and AI testing tools are widely used in concept testing and forecasting, and Ritson's description of parity with human surveys in speed and accuracy aligns with the state of advanced research platforms. However, full replacement of human research and planning is incomplete. His prediction is on a long-term trajectory toward the 2030s, making it an evolving situation rather than a fully realized outcome.

From the High Caliber AI network — see the AI for PR module in the course.