25 Future Technology Megatrends and Predictions – Tech that shapes our world
The main technology trends that will shape our world, business, economy and the socitey
What technologies will impact our future and recreate the world of tomorrow. Here are the biggest technology megatrends that you need to know and understand.
The last few decades have already seen an extraordinary technological renaissance, a time when digital innovations are not only reshaping industries and social structures, but also changing the very nature of human existence. We now spend much of our time on digital devices, have pledged our leisure time to a 6-inch screen, and are controlled globally by a number of powerful platforms.
But what if we look at the new trends and megatrends of the future? What happens if we dare to look 10, 20 or even 30 years into the future? What technologies will change the world we live in today, potentially transforming our lives and our planet?
This comprehensive overview lists the most influential technological megatrends and emerging technologies and paints a portrait of our possible future, from ubiquitous digitalisation and AI automation to the paradigm-shifting potential of the singularity. These are all topics I talk about every day with governments and leaders around the world, because we can shape the future, or we can wait for it to come. One thing is certain – it is coming.
Index
25 Technology Trends of the Future
The digital revolution at all levels
The global economy is in the midst of a fundamental transformation. This profound shift towards a digital-centric mindset has already left many traces. For example, a small number of technology companies already account for a large share of economic output. Digitisation, the transformation of information into a digital format and the exploitation of this digital content, has enabled the transition to a data-centric society and insight-driven organisations. Traditional business models, interactions between people, all of our communications and, of course, our society have changed and will continue to change. This move to digital has changed our world, made it measurable and is an important step for other technologies to follow.
The age of automation – machines take over
Automation is now ubiquitous in our world, and you might think it was nothing new. But until now, automation has been slow and “dumb”. Machines could be used in factories to perform simple, repetitive tasks. But the real revolution is in the automation of much more complex processes and work. The general assumption today is that a large proportion of work can eventually be automated. From customer service to complex strategy. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, automation increases efficiency, reduces human error and creates new opportunities for innovation. Every year machines get better, and every year more complex work can be automated – our question might as well be: What do we do when machines are better at everything? What happens when every job can be replaced? – The question seems utopian, but in 8-10 years it is quite realistic.
The wave of digital transformation and digital business models
Digital transformation is a fundamental structural change that is redefining business and the economy from the ground up. The integration of digital technologies into all areas of a company, the economy and the business world is fundamentally changing value chains. But it’s more than just replacing old technologies with new ones – it’s a cultural shift. It’s about new opportunities and new challenges. Never before has it been so easy to attract millions of people to a product, and never before has the power of a few companies been as great as it is today. Digital ecosystems have become one of the most powerful tools to lock in a lot of value with little capital. This means that a few companies and a few people can profit exponentially from the digital transformation of the economy and especially from digital business models.
Datafication – the fuel for the information age
Simply put, datafication is looking at every aspect of life through the lens of data. It’s about turning social actions and processes into quantified data. This trend is closely linked to advances in big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence, which allow us to gain insights and make predictions that were previously unattainable. Again, it is important to mention how strongly platform economies, digital ecosystems and datafication are linked. Because these structures make it possible to collect data over a lifetime to the point where every person can be perfectly analysed and predicted. Because at some point we have to face the question: What happens when an algorithm can predict my needs better than I can – or not only predict them, but influence them?
Internet and connectivity – building a networked world.
In our western world, the Internet has long been a standard. The Internet, with its interconnected web of data and information, is the backbone of our digital world, but billions of people are still without access. The implications for the economy and the economic fabric of the world are enormous if this untapped part of the world is suddenly given access to the Internet. We are on the cusp of an exponential leap forward. Developments such as 5G, 6G and even satellite internet and beyond promise huge increases in speed, reliability and capacity, paving the way for innovations such as autonomous vehicles, real-time remote robotics and immersive augmented reality, as well as lowering barriers to entry around the world.
Platforms and the emergence of the platform economy
The platform economy, characterised by digital platforms that facilitate interactions and transactions, has come into focus. From social media to e-commerce, these platforms leverage network effects and data to create rich, personalised experiences. These intermediaries and platforms have developed their own unique dynamics and are causing problems internationally. Booking.com, for example, has become a significant gatekeeper for the travel industry, and through all of its recent acquisitions, Booking has been able to evolve from a booking platform to a giant digital ecosystem that specifically tracks all interactions and destinations to drive pricing and availabilit
Digital ecosystems as the new business paradigm
Digital ecosystems are complex networks of companies, individuals and processes that use digital platforms for a common, useful purpose. In short, a wide variety of services, offerings and platforms are built and connected. This makes it possible to cover the so-called “customer journey” more effectively. Using Booking.com as an example, people may read travel blogs and magazines, then search for flights, then receive targeted hotel offers, which in turn lead to income estimates, which in turn lead to further offers, and so on. These ecosystems have revolutionised the customer experience, but they also pose a risk. For example, the Apple ecosystem has evolved to the point where it creates dependencies that are then used to sell additional services, and Apple even excludes others from its ecosystem. This accumulation of knowledge, customer understanding, data and locked-in customer assets poses many problems for society and the economy.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just another tech trend, but arguably the most important technological innovation of our century. Artificial intelligence (AI) and its subtypes or techniques such as machine learning or deep learning, neural networks, generative AI etc., are creating systems that can learn, adapt, and potentially act on their own. In combination with platforms, the data economy but also digital ecosystems it will drasticly revolutionize our understanding of customers, preferences but also manipulation methods to best trigger customers and change their behavior into a desired outcomes.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices and sensors that all communicate, collect and share data. From the smart home to industrial IoT in machines or factories, this trend enables a comprehensive understanding of our environment. IoT is like a live measurement of our world. With this data and live measurements, we can drive many innovations that improve the quality of life, protect against accidents and drive new inventions in business. But it can also lead to us being tracked at every turn. For example, smartphones have become intelligent devices that measure our health, analyse our movement profiles, divide us into groups and segments, and become one of humanity’s biggest surveillance devices.
Distributed Ledger Technologies & Blockchain
Blockchain is the best-known example of distributed ledger technologies and promises a new paradigm for trust and security in the digital world. This is because it promises to be a decentralised, immutable system for storing sensitive data. Decentralised databases such as blockchain definitely have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications. However, it remains to be seen whether the promises made can be delivered, as the technologies are not yet ready for mass adoption. Therefore, in the future, we may use other systems and databases that can counter the general trends of data ecosystems. However, it should also be noted that for most people, keeping their own data is less of a problem, and digital ecosystems appeal through simplicity and strong marketing.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR)
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR) are merging the physical and digital worlds. While VR enables immersive digital experiences, AR adds digital components to our physical world. From gaming and entertainment to education, virtual offices and virtual doctor visits, these technologies offer a new level of human interaction. Better and better systems have been introduced in recent years. However, most VR & AR headsets still have a comparatively poor user experience with low battery life, comparatively poor resolutions and still limited processing power. However, major advances are expected in the next 8-10 years, enabling concepts such as the Metaverse, where high-resolution virtual worlds can be entered with a better user experience.
Metaverse & Immersive Media
The Metaverse is an evolution of the Internet, an all-encompassing virtual universe that connects multiple realities and allows anyone to create or enter their own virtual reality. The combination of physical and virtual reality offers unlimited possibilities for work, education, socialising and entertainment. The goal is to provide users with virtual universes where the possibilities are limitless and the laws of physics do not apply. You can copy things, you can create things, there is no wear and tear and no limits. It is quite possible that in the next 15-20 years virtual realities will emerge in which we will spend a large part of our lives, from work to social interaction or holidays and experiences.
Social media and social networks
Social media platforms and networks have fundamentally changed the way people communicate. We now date differently, we meet differently, and even unsocial interactions have been replaced by likes and comments. Social media has also transformed the business world, enabling new business models and marketing strategies, and creating social trends that have influenced politics and society. Its impact even on our brains and cognitive abilities is a testament to the power of digital platforms, and we can expect that technologies that enhance interactions and experiences (e.g. 3D worlds) will lead to a growing impact of social media on business and society.
Advanced chips and quantum computing
The world is run by tiny silicon chips. Recent advances in the design of computer chips and quantum computers could usher in a new era of problem solving. For example, quantum computers can perform complex computations exponentially faster than classical computers because they are not bound to 0 and 1, but can take on an infinite number of states. As a result, many expect breakthroughs in cryptography, materials research and medicine, as well as complex modelling for pharmaceuticals and business. We are on the threshold of the quantum age and have the prospect of a technological revolution comparable to the discovery of electricity, because many things that are out of our reach today because computers are still too slow and too expensive will be within our reach. However, it should also be said that it may be several decades before quantum computers are small enough and powerful enough for this revolution in computing.
Robotics, drones and autonomous systems
Robots, drones and autonomous systems are no longer the stuff of science fiction; they are already driving on our roads or helping in care homes. These technologies have a wide range of applications, from logistics and agriculture to manufacturing and emergency response. Boston Dynamics is perhaps one of the most high-profile examples of what has happened in robotics in the last 10 years. However, it is important to understand that there are still many solutions to be found. Robotics is very complex because it requires a large number of algorithms, it depends on new materials and it is a combination of different technologies. So progress is great, but it will be a long time before truly complex and autonomous humanoid robots really replace workers. (Sorry Elon Musk, that’s the truth).
Space Technology
Everyone wants to go into space. This is not the goal of space technology, but it is a possibility that arises from it. In recent years, the sector has made extraordinary progress, from reusable rockets and satellite technology to the ambitious exploration of Mars. Space tourism, asteroid mining and the prospect of off-planet colonies are moving beyond the realm of science fiction and becoming tangible possibilities. In a much more practical sense, many technologies are being developed that have applications on Earth. But the increasing commercialisation of space is ushering in a new era where we may see space stations in the next 20-30 years, or the first settlements on the Moon or Mars in 50 years.
3D printing and additive manufacturing
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, can be used in so many areas. Additive manufacturing has the potential to democratise product manufacturing by enabling low-cost product customisation, or ‘rapid prototyping’, and the easy production of complex structures. For example, we can already print entire houses, 3D print bones and organs, and mass-produce complex materials for airplane fuselages and automobiles. 3D printing has the potential to revolutionise many industries, accelerating innovation and challenging traditional manufacturing and supply chain models.
Smart Cities & Urban Tech
Smart cities typically represent a vision of urban spaces where life is sustainable, efficient and people-centred. Many factors and technologies come together to create a smart city – from IoT for measurement, to AI for evaluation and control, to big data analytics for planning. Whether it’s urban services, sustainability or quality of life, technologies can be applied everywhere to improve our lives. For example, more and more sensors and computers are being used for intelligent transport systems, smart grids needed for renewable energy, automated waste management and advanced security. Cities around the world are growing and this combination of technologies is helping to manage problems such as overpopulation, pollution and infrastructure maintenance.
AgTech for the agriculture of the future
With the growing challenge of global food security, technologies that make agriculture more efficient and sustainable are more important than ever. From crop sensors to smoke detectors in forests and satellite imagery for land and water management. The applications of AI, drones, automation and even data are vast. With increasing urbanisation, vertical farming and indoor farming solutions will also become important in providing basic food for populations facing increasing loss of arable land and challenging weather conditions.
BioTech & Genomics
Biotechnology and genomics have opened new frontiers in healthcare and life sciences. Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR and advances in synthetic biology have made personalised medicine and genetic engineering a reality. These technologies have the potential to revolutionise our approach to disease, longevity and even the nature of life itself, and Corona Medicine has already shown that medicine could be found in a very short time. Personalised medicine based on genes will also play a role in the future.
Regenerative Medicine & Land Longevity
Regenerative medicine has the tantalising potential to repair or replace damaged cells, tissues and organs. The field is taking advantage of advances in stem cell research, tissue engineering and, increasingly, 3D bioprinting (3D printing with organic materials). For example, it would be possible to eliminate the need for organ transplants and print organs themselves. Or it would be possible to halt or reverse degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. These are all promises of regenerative medicine. Together with genomics and other technological advances, this could lead to healthier lives, possibly even longer lives, or even immortality if we could manage to regenerate and heal cells completely. The implications for humanity and the world would be enormous and would raise thousands of ethical questions.
Neural Interfaces & Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)
Neural interfaces and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) represent the next level of human-machine interaction. What if we could establish direct communication between the human brain and all external electronic devices? Potential applications range from improved control of prosthetic limbs to enhancing human cognitive abilities. Although development is still at a relatively early stage, the possibilities are tantalising and the implications profound. As these technologies develop, we may have to redefine what it means to be human in a world where mind and machine are increasingly intertwined, and also draw a line in the sand, as advanced algorithms would make it possible to make a human being completely manipulable.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology, the science of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level, offers enormous potential in a wide range of industries. Most of the advances we see today are in developing new materials, improving medicine or advancing electronics. But nanotechnology could provide solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as tiny robots that live inside our bodies and heal us or kill cancer cells. We could also use nanobots to clean our lakes and fight pollution. If we look more than 30 years into the future, all these scenarios are possible.
Materials Science
Advanced materials such as graphene with its remarkable strength and conductivity, metamaterials that can manipulate electromagnetic waves, and self-healing materials are not only transforming established industries such as electronics, aerospace and energy, but also enabling new ones. As we continue to discover and develop new materials with unique properties, there are no limits to our imagination in shaping future technologies. Countries such as China, in particular, are betting big on the development of new materials, most of which are also aimed at the green transition or the replacement of rare earths, and which form the basis of disruptive market changes or disruptive innovations.
Green technologies and renewable energies
Green technologies and renewable energy are an important step towards sustainability and a cleaner, greener future and economy. Innovations in this area range from advanced solar, wind and hydro technologies to breakthroughs in hydrogen energy and carbon capture. While not all countries include nuclear power among the green technologies, there are big changes here too, towards modular reactors with passive safety and much lower operating costs, or even without the massive nuclear waste problem. Another interesting technology to watch in 10-20+ years will be nuclear fusion, which will have taken a step forward and we will be closer to harnessing the power of the sun on our planet.
Excursus: The existential question of “the singularity” event
The technological singularity, a hypothetical point at which AI surpasses human intelligence, raises a profound existential question. This controversial concept highlights the potential of AI in combination with several of the aforementioned technologies and the need for an ongoing dialogue about the ethical, social and philosophical implications of these technological advances. We are slowly moving into an era where technological innovation is having an exponentially greater impact on us. Not so long ago, a doubling of computing power was marginal and almost imperceptible to humans. But if we assume that a computer would be as intelligent as a human being, and that the rate of development is the same, then that computer would be twice as intelligent as a human being in 2 years, and 1024 times as intelligent as a human being in 20 years. Thus, an artificial intelligence following the same Moore’s Law would become more than 1,099,511,627,776 times more intelligent than a human could ever be within a human lifetime of 80 years.
Concluding Thoughts
These technological megatrends are not only shaping the world we live in now, they are also creating a new, completely unknown world. No one would have dared say 15 years ago that we wouldn’t be able to meet people because we spend more than 3.5 hours a day looking at a small screen in our hands.
Each of these technologies presents unique opportunities and challenges, underscoring the need for a proactive and informed approach. By understanding these trends and how they interact, we can use them to shape a future where technology serves as a tool for sustainable social progress, rather than an uncontrollable force that slowly tears us apart and uses our primate brains to manipulate us. Our actions today will determine whether we ride the wave of these technological revolutions or be swept away by them. The decision is up to us, our attitude to technology and what we consider “desirable”.
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