Launchpads and Convergences

In my last article, I wrote about the concept of launchpad technologies and their ability to shape our future.  These are technologies that fit the following criteria:

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

These are not the only criteria for identifying launchpad technologies, as societal, geopolitical and economic influences can also impact whether a technology becomes a superpower, but these are a good place to start.

Although our team tracks 350 plus trends, developments and emerging technologies, here are a few "launchpad technologies" that are front of mind for me in 2024:

• 5G/6G
• Sustainable Energy
• Internet of Things
• Artificial Intelligence
• Drones
• Mixed/Extended/Augmented/Virtual Realities
• Blockchain/Distributed Ledger
• Precision Foods - Farming/Fermentations/Lab Grown/Vertical/Plant Based
• Robotics
• Synthetic Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Genomics
• Precision Medicine
• Nanotech
• Quantum Computing

*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.