Graphics production and publication were graciously facilitated by Patricia Bedrosian, Jeri Jackson, Christopher Kelly, Terri Perkins, Benson Wong, and Mary Wrazen (RAND).
Finally, we would like to thank the National Intelligence Council for its support, discussions, and encouragement throughout this project, especially Lawrence Gershwin, William Nolte, Enid Schoettle, and Brian Shaw.
AFM Atomic-Force Microscope BIO Biotechnology Industry Organization CAD Computer-Aided Design DoD Department of Defense DOE Department of Energy DRAMs Dynamic Random Access Memories FDA Food and Drug Administration GM Genetically Modified GMO Genetically Modified Organisms HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus ITRS International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors IWGN Interagency Working Group on NanoScience MEMS Microelectromechanical Systems mpg miles per gallon NDRI National Defense Research Institute NIC National Intelligence Council NSTC National Science and Technology Council PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction PZT Lead Zirconate Titanate R&D Research and Development S&T Science and Technology SPM Scanning Probe Microscope
Infova’s Global Technology Revolution Advances in bio/nano/materials/info technologies are combining to enable devices and systems with potential global effects on individual and public health and safety; economic, social and political systems; and business and commerce. The emerging technology revolution, together with the ongoing process of globalization enabled by the information technology and continued improvements in transportation (e.g., Friedman, 2000 [217]), on the one hand opens up possibilities for increased life span, economic prosperity, and quality of life, and on the other hand introduces further difficulties with privacy and ethical issues (e.g., in biomedical research). It has been argued that the accelerating pace of technological change may lead to a widening of the gap between rich and poor, developed and developing countries. However, increased global connectivity within the technology revolution may itself provide a vehicle for improved education and local technical capabilities that could enable poorer and less-developed regions of the world to contribute to and profit from technological advances via the “cottage industries” of the 21st century. The maturity of these trends varies. Some are already producing effects and controversy in wide public forums; others hold promise for significant effects by 2050 yet are currently less mature and are mostly discussed in advanced technology forums.
