Key Points:
- Technological innovation is focused on solving global challenges
- Collaboration and co-innovation are necessary for revolutionary breakthroughs
Technological innovation is increasingly focused on solving pressing global challenges such as climate change, disaster response, and accessible healthcare. The deadline for the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is rapidly approaching, and technology plays a key role in implementing the strategies outlined in this framework. Companies in the technology space must satisfy consumer demand for the latest features to maintain strong market share, which requires evolving their approach to challenges and finding ways to optimize their operations.
In the post-Moore’s Law world, collaboration and co-innovation are essential for groundbreaking advancements. Industries are breaking down silos and leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twins to disrupt the status quo. Cross-disciplinary innovation is redefining various sectors, including the metaverse, automotive industry, communication, and healthcare.
The metaverse is evolving beyond its initial definition and now includes a growing number of use cases for mixed-reality technology. This cyber-physical reality allows for more authentic human connection in virtual spaces, bringing friends, family, and colleagues closer together. To achieve this vision, researchers and standards bodies are working to overcome challenges related to interoperability and wireless infrastructure.
The automotive industry has shifted from a hardware-focused industry to one defined by software. Partnerships are crucial in developing advanced sensor fusion capabilities for autonomous vehicles, and data sharing can help define best practices. Close cooperation and co-innovation between companies, regulators, and standards bodies are necessary to put autonomous vehicles into consumer hands.
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are expanding connectivity beyond terrestrial network infrastructure limitations. Advancements in satellite technology allow for stable coverage during travel and in remote areas. However, many companies are creating proprietary networks, limiting universal service and interoperability. The push for democratization of satellite connectivity and the establishment of open standards will be critical in the coming years.
AI, sensor technology, and healthcare data are driving a revolution in the healthcare industry, leading to better disease prediction, diagnostics, and treatment. However, full adoption of these technologies requires collaboration between hospital systems and medical device manufacturers. Currently, devices are designed in silos, limiting their potential for other applications. Regulatory bodies and device manufacturers need to address challenges related to patient data privacy and cybersecurity.
Innovations in technology have the potential to shape a sustainable and equitable future, but only if existing silos are shattered and cross-disciplinary collaboration occurs. The Emerging Technologies 2024 Vision Report provides in-depth insights from leaders in the wireless, automotive, space technology, and healthcare sectors on the state of their industries and how emerging technologies are addressing challenges.