These are the top 10 emerging technologies of 2023 and how they will impact the world

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These are the top 10 emerging technologies of 2023 and how they will impact the world


Technology is a relentless disruptor. It changes the context of how we live, work and play, redefines businesses and industries, and offers unprecedented solutions to address complex planetary and societal challenges.

But in a rapidly changing world where ideas come and go, which emerging technologies should be at the top of the agenda for policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens in the coming years?

The "Top 10 Emerging Technologies 2023" report, from the World Economic Forum in partnership with Frontiers, brings together the perspectives of more than 90 academics, industry leaders and futurists from 20 countries around the world to highlight the technologies most likely to impact people and the planet in the next three to five years.

From sustainable solutions that help combat climate change to generative AI models that bring radical change, here are the 10 emerging technologies most likely to improve our lives in the future.



Technologies against the climate crisis


Sustainable aviation fuel


The aviation sector generates between 2% and 3% of global CO2 emissions, but all regions of the world will see large increases between now and 2050. Unlike many other industries, the power-to-weight ratio of batteries makes electrification a challenge. That's where sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) comes in.

Synthetic fuels are made from biological sources, such as biomass, or non-biological sources, such as CO2, and can be used with existing aviation infrastructure and equipment. Currently, PBSs cover about 1% of the aviation industry's fuel demand. This figure needs to increase to 13-15% by 2040 to help the industry reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the report.



Microscopic sensors for plants


According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global food production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to feed a growing world population. Crop monitoring is a key element in achieving this goal.

Traditional soil testing and visual inspections of crops are expensive and time-consuming, which has led to monitoring using low-resolution satellite data and, later, drones and tractors equipped with sensors.

In the future, according to the report, microscopic sensors as small as a needle, embedded in individual plants, could harvest a wealth of data to improve plant health and increase agricultural productivity. These devices monitor temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to help optimize crop yields, reduce water and fertilizer use, and detect early signs of disease.


Artificial Intelligence


Generative AI


Generative artificial intelligence models are rapidly becoming part of everyday life. These models use complex algorithms to recognize and utilize patterns in data.

The recent introduction of AI-based linguistic models, such as ChatGPT, has already impacted life in schools, universities and workplaces, and if used properly, these tools can increase productivity and creative output.

However, generative AI technology goes beyond the production of written text, images and sound, with applications including drug design to treat specific medical conditions, architecture and engineering. NASA engineers are developing AI systems to create lightweight space instruments, reducing development time and improving structural performance, for example.

AI in health and healthcare

New AI-based technologies and machine learning tools could help the global healthcare sector better anticipate and prepare for future pandemics or other challenges.

These systems could help increase the efficiency of national and global health systems to cope with health crises and improve access to healthcare. According to the report, such innovations could also reduce waiting times for treatment by matching therapeutic needs to available medical resources and increasing medical coverage.

The benefits of AI in healthcare could be greatest in developing countries, which often lack infrastructure and personnel sufficient to provide widespread access to health services.


New health technologies


Metaverse for mental health


There has been a lot of talk about the metaverse and we are still a long way from this concept becoming a reality. That said, the virtual world can create shared digital spaces where people can meet socially and professionally.

Virtual environments open up new opportunities for delivering mental health treatment, encompassing a whole range of telemedicine applications, such as prevention, diagnosis, therapy, education and research.

Several gaming platforms have been created to help people with disorders such as depression and anxiety or encourage mindfulness and meditation, for example.

Designer viruses

So-called bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that identify and infect specific types of bacteria with genetic information. Recent advances in bioengineering allow scientists to manipulate microbiomes to enhance human and animal welfare and agricultural productivity. 

According to the report, bioengineers can reprogram the genetic information of a phage to transmit genetic instructions to bacteria to modify their functioning, allowing them to target and treat microbiome-associated diseases.

Omic maps


The human body is a collection of some 37.2 trillion cells working together. The omics sciences are the sciences that make it possible to study a large number of molecules involved in the functioning of an organism. 

To understand how these microbiological processes work, scientists have developed a spatial approach that combines advanced imaging techniques with sophisticated DNA sequencing processes to map biological processes at the molecular level.

Thanks to this, scientists can observe intricate details of cellular architecture and biological processes that were previously unobservable, according to the report.


Flexible batteries

As electronic devices become more malleable, a more flexible type of battery is emerging to power them. Flexible batteries are made of lightweight materials that can be twisted, stretched, bent and even coated with carbon-based materials, such as carbon fiber or fabric.

According to the report, these rechargeable and bendable batteries are increasingly powering growing markets such as rollable computer screens, wearable tech and wearable devices, including healthcare devices and biometric sensors.



Engineering


Flexible neural electronics


Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) enable direct communication between the brain and external computers. Until now, the technology relied on rigid electronic components and was limited by mechanical and geometric mismatch with brain tissue. But advances in flexible electronics and more biocompatible materials mean a less invasive experience for patients.

BMI-type technologies are already used to treat patients with epilepsy and with prostheses that use electrodes to connect to the nervous system.



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