Trends Identified
Automation of knowledge work
Intelligent software systems that can perform knowledge work tasks involving unstructured commands and subtle judgments
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
The Internet of Things
Networks of low-cost sensors and actuators for data collection, monitoring, decision making, and process optimization
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Cloud technology
Use of computer hardware and software resources delivered over a network or the Internet, often as a service
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Advanced robotics
Increasingly capable robots with enhanced senses, dexterity, and intelligence used to automate tasks or augment humans
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Autonomous and near-autonomous vehicles
Vehicles that can navigate and operate with reduced or no human intervention
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Next-generation genomics
Fast, low-cost gene sequencing, advanced big data analytics, and synthetic biology (“writing” DNA)
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Energy storage
Devices or systems that store energy for later use, including batteries
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
3D printing
Additive manufacturing techniques to create objects by printing layers of material based on digital models
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Advanced materials
Materials designed to have superior characteristics (e.g., strength, weight, conductivity) or functionality
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey
Advanced oil and gas exploration and recovery
Exploration and recovery techniques that make extraction of unconventional oil and gas economical
2013
Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy
McKinsey