Launchpad Technologies

In TCS's Future of Business team, we closely track over 350 trends, technologies and developments.  While all are interesting and important, not all of them will equally shape our future.  Some innovations are useful improvements, but have limited impact on human history.  Others, like the wheel, are force multipliers and have value and utility that extends over thousands of years and offer a wide range of uses.  I propose we call these highly impactful innovations, launchpad technologies, as they have a tendency to launch and support many additional technologies.

How do we know if an emerging technology is going to be a low impact innovation, or a launchpad?  I propose we consider the following key attributes as criteria:

1. Broad Applicability: Technologies that can be applied across a wide range of industries and disciplines are more likely to become launchpads.
2. Potential for Disruption: Technologies that challenge or revolutionize the existing way of doing things in significant areas (like communication, energy, transportation) have launchpad potential.
3. Scalability: The potential to be scaled up efficiently and economically to serve large populations.
4. Foundation for Further Innovation: If a technology serves as a foundation on which other technologies can be built, it's a strong candidate.
5. Addressing Fundamental Needs or Problems: Technologies that solve fundamental human problems or needs (like health, safety, communication) are likely to be foundational.
6. Interconnectivity: The ability to connect with and enhance existing technologies or infrastructures.
7. Economic Viability: The potential for economic sustainability and profitability can often drive widespread adoption and development.

So what are some potential candidates today that meet the above criteria?

1. Quantum Computing: Leverages principles of quantum mechanics to process information at unprecedented speeds. It could solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, impacting cryptography, material science, and pharmaceuticals.
2. CRISPR and Gene Editing: A technology for editing genomes with high precision.  It could be revolutionary in healthcare and agriculture, with the potential to cure genetic diseases and improve crop resilience.
3. 5G and Advanced Wireless Technologies: The next generation of wireless communication offering higher speed and lower latency. It could enable a more connected world, crucial for IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.
4. Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies: A decentralized digital ledger technology. It has the potential to transform financial transactions, supply chain management, and data security.
5. Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Machine Learning: AI encompasses systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions. Applicable across industries, from healthcare diagnostics to autonomous driving and personalized services.
6. Renewable Energy Technologies (like Advanced Solar Cells): Technologies harnessing sustainable energy sources. It's key to addressing climate change and ensuring energy security.
7. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Technologies creating immersive digital experiences. Transformative in gaming, training, education, and remote work.
8. Nanotechnology: Manipulating matter at an atomic or molecular scale. It promises breakthroughs in materials science, medicine, and electronics.
9. Autonomous Vehicles: Vehicles capable of navigating without human input.  It has the potential to revolutionize transportation, logistics, and urban design.
10. Biotechnology (including Synthetic Biology): Technology based on biology for industrial and other purposes. It could lead to medical breakthroughs, sustainable manufacturing, and new materials.
11. Edge Computing: Distributed computing paradigm bringing data storage and computation closer to data sources. Enhances IoT efficiency, supports AI applications, and reduces latency in computing.
12. Advanced Battery Technologies: Innovations in energy storage, such as solid-state batteries. Critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy integration, and portable electronics.
13. Internet of Things (IoT): Network of interconnected devices collecting and sharing data. Enabling smart homes, healthcare devices, and industrial automation.

Which ones would you add to this list?

*I use generative AI to assist in all my work.

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Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

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***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.