Trends Identified
Biotechnology
Biotechnology encompasses a wide range of issues entailing the biological modification of organisms and non-living materials to develop new properties, which have application in medicine, food science and agriculture, and industrial manufacturing. Developments in biotechnology are likely to be swift as indicated by the significant increase in global biotech revenues ($23 billion in 2000 to $50 billion in 2005) and the purchase by large pharmaceutical companies of ‘biotech’ firms in order to secure the most effective avenues for future drug development.
2010
Global strategic trends - out to 2040
UK, Ministry of Defence
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
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
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)
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)
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
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