The Global Technology Revolution 2020: Executive Summary

Abstract : This report presents the results from a set of foresights into global technology trends and their implications for the world in the year 2020. Areas of particular importance include biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials technology, and information technology. A sample of 29 countries across the spectrum of scientific advancement (low to high) was assessed with respect to the countries' ability to acquire and implement 16 key technology applications (e.g., cheap solar energy, rural wireless communications, genetically modified crops). The study's major conclusions include the following: Scientifically advanced countries, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan, will be able to implement all key technologies assessed; Countries that are not scientifically advanced will have to develop significant capacity and motivation before barriers to technology implementation can be overcome; and Public policy issues in certain areas will engender public debate and strongly influence technology implementation. Many technology trends and applications have substantial momentum behind them and will be the focus of continued research and development, consideration, market forces, and debate. These technologies will be applied in some guise or other, and the effects could be dramatic, including significant improvements in human life span, reshuffling of wealth, cultural amalgamation or innovation, and reduced privacy.