Trends Identified
Big data analytics
Analytics tools and techniques are needed to reap the promises of big data. The socioeconomic implications are tremendous, but a major policy challenge will be to balance the need for openness with the threats that an extreme “datafication” of social life could raise for privacy, security, equity and integrity.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Neurotechnologies
Emerging neurotechnologies offer great promise in diagnosis and therapy for healthy ageing and general human enhancement. However, some neurotechnologies raise profound ethical, legal, social and cultural issues that require policy attention.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Nano/microsatellites
Increasing use is being made of small and very small satellites with growing capabilities. This will give policy makers an expanding spectrum of sophisticated tools to address “grand” challenges for both civilian and defence purposes.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials display unique optical, magnetic and electrical properties that can be exploited in various fields, from healthcare to energy technologies. However, technical constraints and uncertainties over their toxicity to humans and the environment continue to hinder their widespread application.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Additive manufacturing
Progressively adding material to make a product take shape is an unprecedented approach to manufacturing that warrants new business models and implies significant changes to existing industries. However, this technology must overcome several challenges, both technical and regulatory, if it is to permeate industrial processes on a large scale.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Advanced energy storage technologies
Energy storage technology can be defined as a system that absorbs energy and stores it for a period of time before releasing it on demand to supply energy or power services. Breakthroughs are needed in this technology to optimise the performance of energy systems and facilitate the integration of renewable energy resources.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Synthetic biology
Synthetic biology is a new field of research in biotechnology that draws on engineering principles to manipulate DNA in organisms. It allows for the design and construction of new biological parts and the re-design of natural biological systems for useful purposes. It is expected to have a wide range of applications in health, agriculture, industry and energy, but it also raises major legal and ethical issues.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Blockchain
Blockchain is a database that allows the transfer of value within computer networks.
This technology is expected to disrupt several markets by ensuring trustworthy transactions without the necessity of a third party. The proliferation of this technology is, however, threatened by technical issues that remain to be resolved.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) seeks to endow machines with reasoning capabilities that may one day surpass those of human beings. While their full impact remains difficult to appraise, intelligent systems are likely to bring considerable productivity gains and lead to irreversible changes in our societies.
2016
OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016
OECD
Identity
Every citizen, resident and business needs to have an identity to access government services and participate in society and the economy. While this seems simple, the process is often complicated and in many contexts can be controversial. Governments are conceiving of new ways of providing identities to individuals though biometrics and emerging technologies such as blockchain. They are also helping businesses make better decisions about their brand identities in an increasingly competitive marketplace, and helping citizens demonstrate the unique combination of knowledge, skills and experiences that make up their own personal identities. In the modern interconnected world, governments and individuals are also raising questions about national identity and re-imagining what it means to be a citizen in an increasingly borderless world. Government innovators are exploring these many aspects of identity and pursuing initiatives that serve as essential building blocks of innovation.
2018
Embracing Innovation in Government: Global Trends 2018
OECD