Trends Identified
Bio-signal interface
The technology uses bio-signal and body movement as an interface (Human – Computer Interaction) for the disabled or the elderly to use computers as well as to create command for drive control of information equipment, cars and wheelchairs. One needs to attach a sensor on his or her body to use this interface which base the system on bio-signal and body movement. As the technology uses natural bio-signal, it can be applied for virtual reality, wearable computers and interface for the elderly and the disabled. In addition, bio-signal technology can be developed into monitoring technology which can be applied in rehabilitation area, medical examination and smart healthcare.
2013
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2013
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Bio-technology
Biotechnology, genomics, and proteomics 1 are now major driving forces in the biological sciences and are increasingly being applied in the study of environmental issues, medicine and pharmaceuticals, infectious diseases, and modifications of food crops. Bio-technology has the potential to lead to sustainable solutions for a range of sustainable development issues. 2 or example, genetically modified organisms could help address food insecurity in developing countries, but their impact on ecosystems, human health and community values may need to be better understood to be considered a truly sustainable solution. 3 Experience has shown that deployment of such technologies needs to consider the local situations and possible trade-offs. 4 Synthetic biology is a field of great promise and possible dangers. Tailor-made medical solutions, gene therapy, technology disruption in the food industry, bio-engineered medicines, and precise bio-inspired drug delivery systems that target specific infected cells - together with stem cells - give many promises. However, if inappropriately used, it could cause irreversible changes to human health and environment. 5, 6, 7 Synthetic biology requires effective policies and frameworks to manage all stages of their life- time, including manufacturing, distribution and use, as well as safe disposal or where possible effective recycling. 8, 9, 10 New and emerging gene-editing technologies and their implications, benefits, and potential ethical problems for biotechnology and medicine have generated international scientific debate, with recommendations to establish norms concerning acceptable uses of human germline editing and harmonize regulations. 10 Genuine “human engineering” may not be far off in the future, when technologies related to gene-editing, stem cells and computational models of the human brain will be combined.
2016
Global sustainable development report 2016
United Nations
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is likely to become prized as research into the extent and variability of different forms of life yield significant technological and health advances. On land, diversity will be reduced as a side-effect of mass agricultural production techniques, industrialisation, urbanisation and through continued erosion of natural habitats, especially tropical rainforests.
2010
Global strategic trends - out to 2040
UK, Ministry of Defence
Bioenergy grows
Bioreactors using algae modified through synthetic biology will likely allow firms to produce cheap fuels that use only sunlight and waste CO2 and water as inputs. Production costs for diesel and ethanol through this “green chemistry” could reach $0.30/L in sunny geographies. Since CO2 could become a valuable commodity as an input for bioreactors, carbon-emiting facilities might diversify into green manufacturing plants. Greener ways to process the oil sands are possible.
2013
Metascan 3 emerging technologies
Canada, Policy Horizons Canada
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics involves storing, analyzing, modeling and sharing large amounts of biological data. Current applications of bioinformatics include DNA barcoding, new bioproducts (such as Millennium Asparagus and biodiesel), modeling disease outbreaks and personal genomics. Our capacity to analyze large amounts of data and our ability to affect traits in plants, animals and humans will increase dramatically. Consider the potential of a widespread medical device costing under $1,000 that sequences your genome, connects to online databases, profiles your genetic history and future, highlights your risk profile, and identifies opportunities to mitigate risks. Bioinformatics holds the promise of tailoring medical and drug treatments to the individual through preventative medicine, using biomarkers to model adverse drug reactions, and helping to understand the complex interplay between genetics and environment. Bioinformatics will fundamentally change the way we think of health care systems.
2013
Metascan 3 emerging technologies
Canada, Policy Horizons Canada
Biomaterials and organic synthesis products to replace traditional chemical industry products
Biotechnological process to produce biomaterials and organic synthesis products out of renewable raw materials, to replace traditional chemical production and develop innovative products with unique properties would involve the development of the new strains of microorganisms and microbial consortia involved in these processes as well as the development of technologies to produce biosynthetic monomers and polymerisation methods. The replacement of chemical manufacturing with manufacturing based on biotechnological processes to produce materials and organic synthesis products from renewable raw materials will make it possible to create products with a high level of purity (including optically pure organic substances to synthesise drugs) and reduce the cost of their manufacture. New types of biomaterials will have a wide range of applications on account of their special characteristics. A number of products (bioplastics, etc.) will have valuable properties such as biodegradability, and this, in turn, will provide an impetus for the creation of new biodegradable materials for medical and industrial purposes.
2016
Russia 2030: science and technology foresight
Russia, Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Biometrics
(Definition) Authentication using the unique biometric information, using fingerprints, voice and retina. (Application) Provide high security with increasing online activity where identity disguise or illegal use can be prevented. (Impact) This can replace current personal identification method, however, the biometric information can be leaked to elsewhere. As the security tightens, online financial service activities are expected to rise. It is expected to have a Impact of $ 350 million domestically and $ 9.3 billion world wide.
2014
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2014
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Bioplastic
Bioplastic is a new material that has all the functionalities of synthetic resins but can be naturally degraded by burial or long-term sun exposure. However, the production cost is still high and the material is not diverse enough to be widely used as synthetic resins. It is expected that the development of the bioplastic technology can make great economic contribution as well as solving environmental issues. Also, this technology would be helpful in moving to the bioeconomy by causing social environmental changes.
2012
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2012
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Bioproduction of raw materials
Synthetic biology uses genetically engineered organisms to manufacture a growing range of materials such as bioplastics, biofuels, biorubber, biosteel, spider silk and industrial chemicals. Industries that may be disrupted include pulp and paper, building materials, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and fossil fuel extraction. Secondary- processing companies could bypass the primary producers and develop self-sufficient factories that grow raw materials to their exact specifications using bioreactors and locally available feedstock. As this field develops, it may be hard for traditional producers to remain competitive.
2013
Metascan 3 emerging technologies
Canada, Policy Horizons Canada
Bioreplaceable materials
The expected social effect of bioreplaceable materials for orthopaedics, replicating the architectonics of bone tissues and making it possible to heal bone defects, lies in the reduced level of disability in the population, the reduction in periods of incapacity, and the reduction in the length of hospitalisation and rehabilitation periods. Together with this, there is expected to be a fall in the risk of repeated prosthesis replacements. Within the existing technological base, a pool of innovative techniques is being developed which could offer radical medical care to restore bone tissue.
2016
Russia 2030: science and technology foresight
Russia, Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation