The European Parliament’s Scientific Foresight Services has published a new report on ten technology trends – and explored their potential impact for citizens and policy makers. The top ten includes:
3D printing - computer driven manufacturing and design processes that enable objects to be built up from nothing. Potential impacts:
- Shift from traditional shopping methods to bespoke design and home manufacturing – acceleration of shift from high street to click
- Growth of design-led 3D cottage industries as consumers shift purchasing to design and away from product
- Gap between the digitally skilled and those without skills to produce their own objects
- Legislators need to consider the intellectual property impacts of 3D printing
MOOCs – changing the accessibility and affordability of education. Potential impacts:
- Disruption of existing supply models on a par with torrenting's impact on film and music
- Widening access to education – but may benefit some subject areas more
- Legislators may need to consider intellectual property issues (i.e. who 'owns' the course); as well as how to monitor, measure and guarantee quality standards
The smart home – the internet of things increasing the connectivity between devices. Potential impacts:
- Resource, energy and time saving opportunities
- Potential problems in multi-occupier buildings
- Changing behaviour – longer working hours if homes can be 'managed' remotely?
- Legislators need to consider data protection and privacy issues as well as contract law concerns – what are the contractual issues raised by a smart fridge placing a supermarket order?
Wearable technologies – technical textiles and new technologies. Potential impacts:
- Medical monitoring and remote deliver of care
- Wearable renewable energy technologies
- Legislators need to consider data protection and privacy issues raised by the collection of so much personal data; also what are the implications for medical negligence legislation?
The full top ten list:
- 3D printing
- Aquaponics
- Autonomous vehicles
- Drones
- Electricity storage
- Graphene
- MOOCs
- Smart homes
- Virtual currencies
- Wearable tech
The link to the full report can be found on this webpage.