Trends Identified
Economic and trade downturn
The effects of the 2008 financial crisis, for instance, spread to developing countries, primarily through declines in trade and commodity prices and reduced access to credit, as lower demand in developed countries damaged export revenues and slowed economic growth in developing countries (UN DESA 2011). While developing countries overall managed to absorb the shock of the 2008 crisis, their responses increased fiscal deficits and deteriorated current-account balances. As these indicators have not reverted to their pre-crisis levels in many developing countries, there will be limited capacity in future to absorb another major economic shock (UN MDG Gap Task Force 2015).
2017
Global trends
UNDP
Solidarity and rising healthcare and pension costs and growth of third age economy
The effects on solidarity will be felt throughout the EU and present serious challenges with momentous budgetary consequences.
2014
Challenges at the horizon 2025
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Surgical robots
The emergence of new surgical robots, as well as nanorobots, will make it possible to reduce the level of trauma, wound infection and avoid the need for blood transfusions. Operations carried out using robots will see reduced soreness in the postoperative period, accelerated rehabilitation times, minimal risks of the complications common in traditional surgery, increased oncological and functional results from operations, and improved cosmetic effects due to the lack of large postoperative scars. The introduction of such surgical technologies will reduce the impact of the human element during the operation and in terms of its outcome.
2016
Russia 2030: science and technology foresight
Russia, Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
The beginning of the end for cancer
The emergence of real-time diagnostics for complex diseases will mark the beginning of the end of their debilitating reign by 2020. The ability to monitor cancer, the dynamic immune system, intestinal flora and pre-diabetes in real-time will change the nature of medicine and usher in a new era of human health where wellness is protected versus illness treated. As a result, fundamental shifts in healthcare will occur, causing it to become largely preventative rather than fire-fighting. It’s far more productive and economical to stop a fire from happening in the first place than to rebuild something after the fire has taken its course. The amount of data available in the world is growing exponentially, and analyzing large data sets (so-called big data) is becoming key for market analysis and competition. Analytics will dramatically shift away from reporting and towards predictive and prescriptive practices, dramatically improving the ability of healthcare providers to help the ill and injured. Even more importantly, it will create the possibility for truly personalized healthcare by allowing providers to impact the biggest determinants of health, including behaviours, genetics and environmental factors.
2014
14 tech predictions for our world in 2020
World Economic Forum (WEF)
Life in Beta Mode - Ready for a world of forever onboarding?
The emerging Internet of Things (IoT) era creates a world in which B2B and B2C products routinely upgrade and improve long after purchase. That products reach peak performance some time after POS is a message many will welcome (and drive long-term loyalty), especially those maximisers who seek post-purchase reassurance that money has been well spent. Anticipate a greater need for post-purchase support, value-signalling and a clear process of rolling onboarding.
2018
Trending 2018
Foresight Factory
Exploring new approaches to productivity and innovation
The emerging technologies described in this study point to the importance of innovation as a key driver of the economy. Human capital, government policies, societal actors from all sectors and physical infrastructure are major elements of an innovation system. How can we redesign societal systems to maximize innovation?
2013
Metascan 3 emerging technologies
Canada, Policy Horizons Canada
Shifting competitive advantage
The emerging technologies will make it harder to find and keep competitive advantage in the production of some goods and services. Bioproduction through synthetic biology will likely make it easier and cheaper to make some classes of goods. These technologies have the potential to help countries be more self-sufficient in some foods, fuels and materials. Advanced nanomaterials and nanodevices are likely to require a more educated workforce and more intricate production, resulting in a smaller number of competitors using these technologies.
2013
Metascan 3 emerging technologies
Canada, Policy Horizons Canada
User Empowerment
The end-user renaissance forces a disruptive shift in IT In their personal lives, business users are enjoying a technology renaissance that continues to deliver simple, elegant and often innovative technology products. Then they come to work expecting the same experience. To meet those expectations, IT leaders should understand and deliver capabilities that engage each key persona of their users, enabling a given role in the way they actually perform their job. But it shouldn’t stop there. The real trick is envisioning how emerging technologies and new form factors can improve how work actually gets done. Enterprise users are clamoring for mobile and social enablement – collaboration, information and insight wherever, whenever. They’re looking to leave behind the legacy “point, click, type” world for one of “touch, swipe, talk and gesture,” and they won’t hesitate to go around central IT to get the capabilities they need. The CIO must envision the digital future and deliver the empowered present.
2012
Tech Trends 2012-Elevate IT for digital business
Deloitte
Changing Energy Mix
The energy mix will evolve responding to cost, availability and technological developments. There will be continued utilisation of all current energy sources, and fossil fuels are likely to continue to account for over 75% of total energy usage.174 Oil will remain the dominant fuel, given its importance in the transportation sector and the availability of infrastructure that supports its distribution.
2010
Global strategic trends - out to 2040
UK, Ministry of Defence
Life after coal
The energy revolution is reaching its climax as the switch to renewables and electricity is unstoppable.
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership