世界经济论坛-2019年十大新兴技术（英文）-2019.7-17页_5mb

2019 Top 10 Emerging Technologies Summary

Introduction

The World Economic Forum's 2019 report highlights 10 technologies that are poised to significantly impact society and the economy. These innovations are in early development stages but are attracting substantial interest from research labs, companies, and investors. The technologies have the potential to change established ways of doing things and are expected to make major inroads in the coming years.

Core Content and Main Points

1. Bioplastics for a Circular Economy

• Overview: Bioplastics made from cellulose and lignin offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
• Benefits: They are biodegradable, reduce environmental contamination, and can be sourced from non-food plants or agricultural waste.
• Challenges: High production costs and the need for water to process materials remain obstacles.
• Potential: These materials could help create a circular economy by converting plastics back into biomass.

2. Social Robots

• Overview: Social robots are designed to interact with humans and provide emotional engagement.
• Applications: They are being used in customer service, healthcare, and as toys.
• Technological Advances: AI, voice and gesture recognition, and machine learning are enabling more sophisticated interactions.
• Market Growth: Expected to grow from $5.6 billion in 2018 to $19 billion by 2025, with 65 million units sold annually.

3. Tiny Lenses for Miniature Devices

• Overview: Metalenses are flat, thin lenses that can replace traditional glass lenses.
• Advantages: They allow for miniaturization of optical components and can be used in microscopes, cameras, and optical sensors.
• Challenges: Current limitations include lower light transmission efficiency and inability to capture high-quality photos.
• Future Potential: Expected to be integrated into sensors, diagnostic tools, and optical fibers within a few years.

4. Disordered Proteins as Drug Targets

• Overview: Disordered proteins (IDPs) are being explored as potential targets for new treatments.
• Role in Disease: IDPs are involved in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Research Advances: Scientists are developing compounds to inhibit IDPs, with some already in clinical trials.
• Potential: These proteins may become a major focus in pharmaceutical development within the next 3–5 years.

5. Smarter Fertilizers Can Reduce Environmental Contamination

• Overview: Controlled-release fertilizers deliver nutrients to plants on demand, reducing waste and environmental harm.
• Technology: These fertilizers use smart materials and sensors to adjust nutrient release based on environmental conditions.
• Benefits: They increase crop yields while minimizing the release of harmful byproducts.
• Challenges: Cost and energy-intensive production of traditional fertilizers remain issues, though environmental alternatives are being explored.

6. Collaborative Telepresence

• Overview: Collaborative telepresence allows people to interact in real-time as if they were physically present.
• Applications: It can transform remote work, education, and healthcare.
• Technological Enablers: 5G networks, haptic sensors, and AI are making this possible.
• Potential: Expected to become transformative within 3–5 years, with companies like Microsoft investing in the field.

7. Advanced Food Tracking and Packaging

• Overview: Combining blockchain and smart packaging improves food safety and reduces waste.
• Blockchain: IBM Food Trust provides a transparent, tamper-proof record of food supply chains.
• Smart Packaging: Sensors detect temperature changes and spoilage, enabling better food management.
• Impact: These technologies can quickly identify contaminated products and reduce unnecessary waste.

8. Safer Nuclear Reactors

• Overview: New reactor designs and fuels aim to reduce the risks associated with nuclear power.
• Current Risks: Zirconium-based fuels can produce hydrogen when overheated, leading to explosions.
• Innovations: Manufacturers are developing more resilient fuels and reactor designs.
• Potential: These improvements could lead to a resurgence of nuclear power as a clean energy source.

9. DNA Data Storage

• Overview: DNA can store vast amounts of data in a compact and durable form.
• Advantages: It is highly efficient and has the potential to revolutionize data storage.
• Applications: Ideal for long-term archival and data security.
• Challenges: Cost and scalability are still major hurdles.

10. Utility-Scale Storage of Renewable Energy

• Overview: Advanced storage solutions are essential for integrating renewable energy into the grid.
• Technologies: Includes batteries, hydrogen storage, and other innovative methods.
• Benefits: Enables consistent energy supply and supports the transition to clean energy.
• Potential: Expected to play a crucial role in the future of energy systems.

Key Information

• Technological Focus: The report emphasizes technologies that contribute to sustainability, efficiency, and safety.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Many of the technologies rely on advances in AI, biotechnology, materials science, and environmental engineering.
• Market and Adoption: Some technologies are already in use or nearing commercialization, while others are in early research phases.
• Environmental Impact: Several technologies aim to reduce waste, pollution, and carbon emissions.
• Future Outlook: The report suggests that these innovations will have a transformative effect on various industries over the next few years.

Conclusion

The 2019 Top 10 Emerging Technologies report presents a diverse range of innovations that are set to redefine multiple sectors. From bioplastics and social robots to metalenses and DNA storage, these technologies reflect a global shift towards sustainability, efficiency, and smarter solutions. As they develop and become more accessible, they are expected to play a vital role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.