I feel like it's theoretically possible to make smart computers and scale their power far beyond human capabilities. There's not really a reason why it'd not be possible (it worked for our brains).
So I think, given enough time, we'll figure it out. I don't know how long it'll take. But unless civilization stops advancing, we'll get there. Not sure it's within out lifetimes, but it might be.
So in conclusion: yes, it will eventually be important, unless civilization collapses.