Trends Identified
Future mobility
Over the next decades, demand for mobility will further increase. Although in some geographical areas less transport is possible, in general people and goods will be moving more often, further and faster. Technologies servicing mobility needs are largely fossil fuel based and characterised by little inter-connectivity and inter-modality. The transport sector is currently characterised by a high degree of 'technology lock-in'; high investments in existing assets prevent the introduction of transformative solutions in the market.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Graphene and related new materials
Graphene is a form of carbon, in sheets one atom thick. The outstanding material properties of graphene give it the potential to replace or supplement many other materials, in a vast range of potential products and applications. It is the first of what will become a large family of new 2-D materials. It is expected that graphene will be a "game-changer"; it will enable new or enhanced applications, processes and products in a wide range of industries and sectors of the economy. The long-term forecast worldwide potential market will be hundreds of billions of euros.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Nano-electronics
Nanoelectronics is the advanced technology which exploits qualitatively new phenomena of electric circuits functionality emerging at nanoscales. Particularly promising are applications involving quantum nature of those systems such as quantum coherence and the intrinsic spin of an electron. Current research deals with new generation of quantum devices, which open up horizons for qualitatively new applications such as quantum computing/communication, quantum metrological standards, various logic devices. These developments will provide systemic solutions addressing fundamental limitations of conventional ("More Moore"), and even less conventional CMOS technologies (‘more than Moore’ or ‘Beyond CMOS’). Exploiting a broad variety of materials, phenomena and integrating multiple functions in miniaturised smart systems is the next frontier in Nanoelectronics.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Nanomaterials
The group of materials currently attracting most attention are nano-titanium dioxide, nanozinc oxide, fullerenes, carbon allotropes such as nanotubes or graphene, and nanosilver. Those materials are marketed in clearly smaller quantities than the traditional nanomaterials, but the use of some of these materials is increasing fast. Other new nanomaterials and new uses are being developed rapidly. While some nanomaterials offer improvement in established uses e.g. in automotive or construction sector, many are used in innovative applications such as catalysts, electronics, solar panels, batteries and biomedical applications including diagnostics and tumour therapies. Some, due to their unique properties exclusively originating from nanoscale phenomena, can be used for specific applications which cannot be attained by conventional macroscale materials.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Photonics and light technologies
Since the invention of the laser in 1960, photonics technologies have been further developed and have emerged in applications like communications, lighting, displays, health, manufacturing bringing about major improvements and innovations. Photonics is now everywhere around us and in everyday products like DVD players and mobile phones. In 2005, the European Commission established the European Technology Platform in Photonics: "Photonics21". In 2009, the European Commission recognised Photonics as one of the Key Enabling Technologies and in 2013 it created the Public Private Partnership in Photonics. In Photonics the stakeholders develop a vision and a roadmap of photonics as a well-defined science leading to disruptive break- throughs in telecommunications, life sciences, manufacturing, lighting and displays, sensors and education.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
3D printing
Additive Since the invention of the laser in 1960, photonics technologies have been further developed and have emerged in applications like communications, lighting, displays, health, manufacturing bringing about major improvements and innovations. Photonics is now everywhere around us and in everyday products like DVD players and mobile phones. In 2005, the European Commission established the European Technology Platform in Photonics: "Photonics21". In 2009, the European Commission recognised Photonics as one of the Key Enabling Technologies and in 2013 it created the Public Private Partnership in Photonics. In Photonics21 the stakeholders develop a vision and a roadmap of photonics as a well-defined science leading to disruptive break- throughs in telecommunications, life sciences, manufacturing, lighting and displays, sensors and education.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Sustainable consumption and production
We are used to see consumption as a key driver of economic activity. Its current level, composition, associated production methods and resource use are not sustainable though. The distinction between consumers and producers is becoming increasingly blurred together with the dichotomy of goods and services allowing efficiency gains through shifting from ownership of products to use of services. Monitoring technologies will make citizens more aware of resource use and could change behaviours. Advanced manufacturing helps to pave the way towards an industrial renaissance in Europe while aging populations will be a driver for new products and services across various sectors. There may be trade-o s between environmental issues and new ways of accessing and using resources for an increasingly urbanised population.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
SEAS: a new space of opportunities
A better understanding of what is happening in the sea will provide a better knowledge of ocean resources and underpin better policies for their sustainable development. Research and innovation are progressing towards exploring the best possible ways that the seas can continue to be a healthy and productive life support system. Generating and capturing synergies among the various blue economy activities and addressing conflicts will be critical for unlocking the potential of the largely unexplored seas.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Space based services
Satellite navigation, Earth observation, telecommunication satellites are giving rise to an increasing number of services down on Earth. These services are pervading the daily life of citizens at unprecedented levels and will continue to do so.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Space technologies
The space sector is entering a new era with the inclusion of new technologies, operational concepts, manufacturing processes that in turn can enable new applications and services. International competition is increasing with new entrants (both new countries and new companies) and is challenging Europe's position.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)