The Swiss-based think-tank’s report highlighted key technological advancements that are shaping various fields:
AI for scientific discovery was prioritized for its transformative impact on research, particularly in health, by providing new insights into diseases and enhancing understanding of materials and the human body.
Privacy-enhancing technologies ranked second, facilitating secure data sharing crucial for medical research, utilizing methods like synthetic data.
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces introduced innovative surface technology embedding wireless communication components into walls.
High-altitude platform stations (e.g., aircraft, balloons) were noted for expanding mobile network access to remote areas, connecting approximately 2.6 billion people globally.
Integrated sensing and communication via 6G networks enabled simultaneous data sensing and transmission, supporting applications in agriculture, environmental conservation, and urban planning.
Immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality contributed significantly to advancing infrastructure accuracy, safety, and sustainability.
Elastocalorics emerged as a sustainable cooling solution, crucial amid rising global temperatures, utilizing materials that release and absorb heat under mechanical stress.
Carbon-capturing microbes were highlighted for their potential to convert emissions into biofuel, offering a promising approach to mitigate climate change.
Alternative livestock feeds derived from single-cell proteins, algae, and food waste provided sustainable options for agricultural practices.
Genomics and genetically engineered organs offered hope for improved transplant options, benefiting millions worldwide.
These innovations underscored the profound impact of technological advancements across diverse sectors, driving progress and sustainability in global initiatives.
