The most pervasive and predictable aspect of technology trends has long been the ever-escalating disruption. Since 2010, Deloitte’s Tech Futurists have seen disruption primarily through the lens of information technology (IT). IT is grounded in formal sciences (computer and systems science, logic, mathematics, statistics) to support new models that meet new needs in new fields. market.
Destruction itself is being destroyed today. And forward-looking leading organizations should look beyond the unforeseen disruptions they have learned and prepared to anticipate.
The frontier beyond IT disruption is rapidly emerging. By analyzing factors such as patent and start-up activity, venture capitalist funding, academic and grant investment, and changes in employment and talent, Deloitte Futurists explore disruptive and innovative possibilities. We have identified a set of emerging technology domains that rival IT.
Technologies such as SpaceTech, BioTech, NeuroTech, ClimateTech, EnergyTech, and RobotTech (collectively xTech) will soon begin to solve fundamental human challenges and will eventually match IT’s impact on business innovation, and even may even exceed it.
space tech
Space and aeronautical engineering is an opportunity for growth as government agencies continue to cede many of the traditional business and operational domains such as flights and launches to private companies and companies invest in new transportation. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) flights at altitudes of up to 1,200 miles (the distance from Earth to the International Space Station) enable organizations to build and service communications and security infrastructure for use on Earth. Other areas of private investment include deep space research, exploration and habitation, as well as Earth-based technology, infrastructure, resources and regulatory support.
biotech
Cellular and biomolecular engineering allows scientists to construct and dissect cells, tissues, and molecules to produce therapeutics with optimal results. Molecular-scale studies of complex biological systems have already yielded complete sequencing of the human genome and tissue-engineered therapeutics. Emerging applications with commercial potential include synthetic biology, biological systems and the process of generating synthetic life forms. Genomics, genome function and editing. Cellular agriculture, synthetic food production using cell culture, and new methods of producing proteins, fats, and tissues.
neurotech
A brain-computer interface (BCI) measures brain and central nervous system activity and translates it into commands that operate external software or hardware systems, allowing you to control your computer as naturally as your thoughts. Today, that means assistive technologies, such as noninvasive EEG electrodes, that can convert brain signals into AI-trained algorithms and send commands to control devices. The future of NeuroTech holds revolutionary potential. Research and development (R&D) extends from restorative, therapeutic and assistive applications to selective placements that enhance human thinking, abilities and skills to help enrich everyday life.
Robotech
Autonomous and precise robots extend the value of AI from decision-making software to decision-making machines (robots that can understand their surroundings and take action without special physical infrastructure). Beyond autonomous vehicles such as cars, trucks, bicycles and scooters, dexterous, multi-functional, intelligent precision robots could play an expanding role in industry, agriculture, medicine, marine and space exploration. Advances in traditional manufacturing, transportation, and logistics may grow with the development of tools such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT) smart devices, edge computing, digital twins, satellites and 5G communications.
climate tech
Emerging climate technologies are enabling organizations to increasingly prioritize net-zero carbon emission policies, strategies, and business models through renewable energy, decarbonization, sustainable materials development, heat mitigation technologies, and supply chain optimization. can help you learn to do more. Digital technology can also play an important role. IoT, AI and big data help organizations measure, analyze and track their carbon footprint and manage energy consumption more efficiently.
energy tech
Power, energy and battery technologies have the potential to mitigate climate change while making energy more abundant, safer or cheaper. Advances in nanotechnology and materials that help extend battery life in cars and mobile phones can also reduce our reliance on scarce and hard-to-find materials such as cobalt and lithium. Energy storage systems such as pumped hydro and flywheel energy storage stabilize the energy grid and make it more efficient.
the future is already here
Given the growing prominence of xTech, a focus on disruptive IT overlooks a range of emerging and near-term transformational technologies with disruptive business applications.
series technology futures The report examines these emerging frontiers, starting with pioneering advances in space systems and aeronautical engineering. These are one of six xTech technology domains that are poised to fundamentally change business models, workforce needs, and growth strategies over the next few decades.
Learn and unlock how business technology is evolving beyond IT The Next Frontier of Business Performance.