Trends Identified
Artificial intelligence
Software algorithms that are capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, e.g. visual perception, speech recognition and decision-making.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Robots
Electro-mechanical machines or virtual agents that automate, augment, or assist human activities, autonomously or according to set instructions.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Blockchain
Distributed electronic ledger that uses software algorithms to record and confirm transactions with reliability and anonymity.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
3D printing
Additive manufacturing techniques used
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Internet of Things
Network of objects embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity and computer capability, that can collect and exchange data over the internet and enable smart solutions.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Clean power
Known technical solution areas which require innovation to realise their potential and enable scale of deployment: Cheap renewables generation, advanced energy storage, Clean fossil fuels, Next-generation grid management, Carbon capture, sequestration and use, Energy efficiency, Renewable heat, Next-generation nuclear fission, Nuclear fusion.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Smart transport systems
Known technical solution areas which require innovation to realise their potential and enable scale of deployment: Clean liquid and gaseous fuels, System efficiency solutions, Clean long-haul transport, High-efficiency engines, Next generation batteries, Energy-dense gaseous fuel storage, Technology enabled transport systems.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Sustainable production and consumption
Known technical solution areas which require innovation to realise their potential and enable scale of deployment: Circular economy recycling solutions e.g. cradle to cradle, Sharing economy, Reduced waste and energy production, Clean chemicals, steel, cement, and paper production, Extreme durability for energy-intensive products and materials, Extreme efficiency of IT/Data centres, Supply chain transparency, CO2 extraction from manufacturing.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Sustainable land-use
Known technical solution areas which require innovation to realise their potential and enable scale of deployment: Land-use transparency, Low-emissions agriculture, New-techniques in forest management, Reduced losses in the supply chain, Soil sequestration, Low-emissions sources of protein, Reduced emissions from livestock, Reduced deforestation.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC
Smart cities and homes
Known technical solution areas which require innovation to realise their potential and enable scale of deployment: Connected homes, High-efficiency heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances, High-efficiency windows and insulation, Building energy storage, Technology- enabled urban planning and building design, Next-generation commercial building management.
2017
Innovation for the Earth - Harnessing technological breakthroughs for people and the planet
PWC