Trends Identified
Blockchains: An invention that could change our world
Blockchain technology is a very practical solution to the problem of storing, authenticating and protecting data. Think of a blockchain as a decentralized, extremely secure database. Or, to get slightly more technical, it’s a distributed, peer-to-peer ledger of records. While nothing is ever totally ‘hack-proof’, blockchain represents a huge leap forward compared to our current data security technology as, unlike a centralized database, there’s no one single point of failure. The records in a blockchain are called ‘blocks’ and every block is connected to the previous block (hence, ‘block’ and ‘chain’). The whole chain is self-managed, which means there’s no one person or organization in charge of the entire chain. If that sounds familiar, it might be because the virtual currency Bitcoin functions on blockchain technology. Financial services, insurance and healthcare are just some of the sectors where blockchains are likely to be heavily adopted. In fact, 90 percent of major European and North American banks are exploring blockchain solutions.
2017
9 Technology Mega Trends That Will Change The World In 2018
Forbes
Platforms are the way forward for businesses
A platform is essentially a network (digital or physical) that creates value for participants by facilitating connections and exchanges between people for services, products or information. The platform is rarely the actual service provider; instead, it acts as a facilitator for the crowd, making interactions possible, easy, and safe for participants. Platforms have given rise to businesses like Airbnb, Uber and Amazon, and are also the foundation of what Facebook and Twitter do. However, platforms offer growth opportunities across all kinds of businesses, industries and sectors – not just tech companies. Even long-running businesses with more traditional business models, like Ford, are beginning to develop platform strategies.
2017
9 Technology Mega Trends That Will Change The World In 2018
Forbes
IoT becomes BIoT
Combining IoT with blockchain —or BIoT—ushers in a whole host of new services and businesses. For example, BIoT can be used to track shipments of pharmaceuticals and to create smart cities in which connected heating systems better controls energy use and connected traffic lights better manage rush hour.
2017
4 Technology Trends That Will Transform Our World in 2018
Fortune
The fintech renaissance
While bitcoin and blockchain were grabbing the headlines in 2017, social and mobile payments have fundamentally changed the financial markets. In China, mobile payment volumes now exceed $5 trillion annually.
2017
4 Technology Trends That Will Transform Our World in 2018
Fortune
Augmented reality goes mainstream
The mobile game Pokémon Go has unleashed a billion-dollar demand for augmented reality entertainment, and major brands are taking notice. Thanks to the introduction of affordable augmented reality glasses, our phones will remain in our pockets and Heads Up Displays (HUD) will improve how we work, shop, and play.
2017
4 Technology Trends That Will Transform Our World in 2018
Fortune
2018 is the year of the bots
We all have gotten use to speaking with bots whenever we call to make airline reservations or to confirm our bank account balances. The use of natural language bots will expand from use as automated customer service agents to become routine for daily living.
2017
4 Technology Trends That Will Transform Our World in 2018
Fortune
Shift in Global Economic Power
The falling prices of crude oil, depreciation of strong currencies and rise of emerging economies poised challenges to the dominant powerhouses are some of the signs of global economic shift occurring presently.
2017
Science & Technology Foresight Malaysia
Malaysia, Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Emergence of Disruptive Technology
Disruptive technologies will continue to evolve in the coming decades. Hence, it is in the hands of policy makers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and citizens to maximise application of these technologies while dealing with the challenges.
2017
Science & Technology Foresight Malaysia
Malaysia, Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Rapid Urbanisation
By 2050, 66% of the global population is expected to be living in urban areas with nearly 90% of the increase concentrated in Asia and Africa. Increase of population density and activities in urban areas across the globe would significantly transform the structure of societies, distribution of resources and governance systems.
2017
Science & Technology Foresight Malaysia
Malaysia, Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Demographic change
The world population is expected to increase in the coming years with a demographic shift seen with number of seniors increasing as they have longer life expectancy and declining birth rates. The ageing population phenomenon is triggering one of the most significant social transformations
of the twenty- first century.
2017
Science & Technology Foresight Malaysia
Malaysia, Academy of Sciences Malaysia