Trends Identified
The age of life sciences
The innovative potential of biotechnology will increase by 2030 through convergence with other sciences, such as nanotechnology and ICT. Tremendous progress is expected in biotechnology, including new products and services such as regenerative cell therapies, more resistant crops and food with greater nutritional value and improved taste.
2011
Trend compendium 2030
Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
Traditional notions of IP may no longer be relevant
The institutionalization of intellectual property (IP) regimes by national governments is designed to create economic incentives for research and development that, over time, may improve social welfare. The new technologies could help solve global problems in areas like health care, energy and security. Rigid and globally inconsistent IP regimes could allow IP owners to block innovation, limit the pace of development, exclude the possibility of new entrants and even threaten international relations.
2013
Metascan 3 emerging technologies
Canada, Policy Horizons Canada
Intelligent Assistants – Smart
The intelligent assistant would be an advanced version of conversational systems, using machine learning and robotics. Assistants have the potential to transform the way we interact with IT, with each other, how we learn and do our jobs and tasks. They would erase the borders between humans and IT/ machines and create true co-workers. Intelligent assistants would not only be able to take over tasks that previously only humans could do but assisting humans as well, including context sensitivity, human- machine interactions via voice, language and gesture, potentially neuronal interfaces and learning capabilities. Assistants will be able to predict and recommend actions, too, and to build relationships with humans over time. Up to now, conversational systems still need to learn the full human communication spectrum including emotional intelligence and the ambiguity of human behavior is still a problem for algorithms. Individuals may use several different assistants and we will probably see a mix of very specialized and more generic ones. If and to what extend these assistants will be embedded in devices or robots or have human-like features will be a matter of role, context and working environment. If assistants will merge partly or fully with humans via neuronal links or implants will depend on feasibility, costs, risks and acceptance by the society and we will need to answer many ethical considerations.
2018
Trend Report 2018 - Emerging Technology Trends
SAP
Continuous Adaptive Risk and Trust
The intelligent digital mesh and related digital technology platforms and application architectures create an ever-more-complex world for security. 20 The continuing evolution of the "hacker industry" and its use of increasingly sophisticated tools — including the same advanced technologies available to enterprises — significantly raise the threat potential. Relying on perimeter defense and static rule-based security is inadequate and outdated. This is especially so as organizations exploit more mobile devices, cloud-based services, and open APIs for customers and partners to create business ecosystems.
2017
Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2018
Gartner
Economic interconnectedness
The interconnected global economy will see a continued increase in the levels of international trade and capital flows, but unless international conventions can be strengthened, progress and optimum economic benefits may not be realized.
2014
Future State 2030: The global megatrends shaping governments
KPMG
Global Interconnectivity
The interdependence of the global system, under-pinned by physical links, international governance and norms, and a belief in the positive benefits of international markets and trade, is likely to act as a double-edged sword. It will act as a stabilising influence between major powers by raising the costs of confrontation and conflict, but is also likely to destabilise states and regions that are unable to cope with the increased competition and social change that interconnectivity brings. Interconnectivity and interdependence is epitomised by the symbiotic relationship between China and the US. On one hand both states are likely to see each other as a security challenge, but they will continue to exploit the economic opportunities that exist between them. However, the interconnectivity of the global system also represents a significant systemic risk to highly-integrated economies given that failure of one part is likely to have broad impact.
2010
Global strategic trends - out to 2040
UK, Ministry of Defence
Global Economic Recession
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) considers there have been 5 global recessions in the last 30 years. Further global economic recessions will happen over the next 30 years, and governments are likely to respond to them with protectionist policies designed to shield their own economies and workforces. However, they are likely to temper the extent of such policies, to maintain the integrity of the international system for global trade and capital movements. In extremis, protectionist measures that cause the reversal of economic globalisation are possible.
2010
Global strategic trends - out to 2040
UK, Ministry of Defence
Internet of Things
The Internet of things (IoT) is a network of physical objects — devices, vehicles, appliances — embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity, and computing capability enabling them to collect, exchange, and act on data, usually without human intervention. The industrial IoT (IIoT) refers to its use in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, aka Industry 4.0. IIoT augments people, places, processes, and products with sensors to capture and analyze information across a value chain, advancing the goals of the organization.
2017
The Essential Eight - Your guide to the emerging technologies revolutionizing business now
PWC
IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) promises a hyper-connected, digitally responsive society that will have a profound impact on all sectors of the economy and society. While it has great potential to support human, societal and environmental development, several safeguards need to be put in place to ensure data protection and security.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Internet of things
The internet of things (ioT) provides the opportunity to radically improve the efficiency of all kinds of public sector, business and community processes and infrastructure, thanks to a growing network of low-cost sensors, actuators, and data communications technology embedded in physical objects
2016
Ten Frontier Technologies for International Development
Institute of Development Studies (IDS)