Technological advances are improving the world around us. We’ve already mentioned AI and ICT. But what about Biotechnology and Space technology? Are they equally important? What are their benefits? What role do they play in our daily lives? These are important questions to ask and answers to give you a better idea of where we’re headed. Let’s look at the four main areas of technological advancements today. And don’t forget to check out the links below to get a better understanding of their potential in our lives.
ICT
While new technologies provide great opportunities for social and economic development, they also present significant risks ranging from malicious use to exacerbation of socioeconomic inequalities. Although various initiatives are underway to address these challenges, they have largely fallen short of their potential. Many countries and regions are lagging behind in adopting policies that ensure responsible use and equitable distribution of benefits and risks. These challenges will continue to persist as new technologies are introduced into society.
Information communication technology is a term that covers a range of rapidly evolving and emerging technologies. The terms Information Communication Technology (ICT) and “information technology” encompass many fields, including telecommunications, the Internet, programming, and information systems. While each of these fields has developed independently and in various companies, they are now integral to modern life and are integral to organizational strategic operations. It has helped to increase the skills of the workforce and to improve user competencies.
AI
With the rise of AI technology, travel has changed drastically. Today, mobile applications can help you navigate your destination and find directions. AI is being used in banking and social media to make travel easier and more convenient. It can even recognize and understand emotions, allowing it to predict human behavior and infer human intentions. The future of AI may include the development of self-aware AI and autonomous driving. This article will explore the implications of AI for the industry.
As AI technology is becoming more widely adopted, drug discovery is likely to become cheaper. AI algorithms can predict the effectiveness of a drug based on molecular structure databases. They can also track mechanisms of action and toxic potential. AI can also be used to repurpose existing drugs. For example, pharmaceutical companies spend nearly 19% of their revenue on research and development. By eliminating the human element, AI can dramatically reduce the cost of developing a new drug.
Biotechnology
As the use of biotechnology continues to grow in the world, the public is increasingly aware of its dangers and benefits. This rapidly growing field can be used to gain power, money, position, or the right of way. Regardless of the use, biotechnology holds enormous potential for good and harm. Here are some of the dangers:
The use of biotechnology in the field of medicine is increasingly diverse. From diagnostic to therapeutic applications, it can be used to help researchers better understand the causes of diseases. New biology can help health care providers prevent disease, enhancing their treatment. Biotechnology companies are developing vaccines against a range of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B. A genetically engineered vaccine against hepatitis B is one example of how this type of technology is helping doctors and the public.
Space technology
The International Space Station (ISS) has long provided a powerful platform for research and development (R&D), demonstrating new technologies and innovations for space exploration. The ISS National Lab is an ideal test bed for technology advances, supporting operational improvements to the commercialization of low Earth orbit, as well as emerging technology proliferation. The ISS National Lab also enables the testing of individual components and larger spacecraft to improve navigation reliability and expand delivery capabilities for commercial users.
The International Space Station, a cooperative working research environment created by 15 countries, allows researchers to perform experiments under conditions never before possible. Astrobiological experiments focused on health and medicine can benefit humanity and lead to the development of new treatments for diseases here on Earth. Upmass launch technologies are in the process of reducing the cost of accessing space. In addition, autonomous systems are being developed for deeper space exploration and scalability. Eventually, these vehicles will coordinate through a growing constellation of satellites.
Genetic engineering
It is easy to dismiss genetic engineering as a technological advance, but the fact is that it has revolutionized plant breeding. The technology was first developed in the late 1990s using fundamental biological research in plants. In the 2000s, RNA interference techniques began to be applied to genetically engineering plants, as more plant-specific biological information and plasmid vectors became available. For example, in the early days of plant biotechnology, overexpression of the anthocyanin pigment production pathway was thought to lead to a rich purple pigmentation, but resulted in white flowers.
Despite the advances in the field, scientists have faced concerns and debated whether genetic engineering is a good idea for our food supply. While the promise of GE is undeniable, some concerns remain, particularly the ethical implications. There are many risks to genetically engineered foods, but scientists are cautiously optimistic. These concerns are valid if the technology is used responsibly. It is crucial to remember that genetic engineering is a tool, not a magic bullet.
Digitalization
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the challenges and opportunities associated with the new technologies also increase. The rapid advancement of digital technologies has led to significant advances in several areas including economic development, sustainability, inclusion, and productivity. These innovations have also been a major driver in meeting many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the advances in digital technology have also introduced new risks, including cybersecurity and privacy issues. Additionally, the development of new frontier technologies may leave behind some people or deepen current digital divides.
For example, the digitalization of industries and businesses is changing the way people work. In the future, physicians will be supported by e-health applications, while legal services will be supplemented by digital services from the Legal Tech sector. Schools, public administration, and associations will have to prepare themselves for the challenges associated with digitalization. They need to provide training and development opportunities that are compatible with digital technologies. Moreover, digitalization will also disrupt some established professions, such as accounting and finance.
Trade in artifacts
Technological advances and innovation have created an environment that favours new creations. Artifacts change the environment of those who use them, as well as the surroundings of other biological entities. Such transformations can be positive or negative, depending on how they are used. For example, technological advances have made it easier to build more efficient solar panels, or even more powerful electric cars. But the social consequences of these innovations are not always immediately apparent.
National security
The National Security and Technology Community should improve the connections between its funding and innovation processes. The federal government has a risk-averse culture and underfunds research. It is difficult to change this culture without strong congressional mandates and alternative funding sources. The government also needs to change its culture and establish alternative technology acquisition processes. The following are three key recommendations for improving the national security community’s connection to innovation. The first recommendation is to expand the use of nontraditional funding sources.
The second recommendation for incorporating emerging technologies into security decision-making is to establish a new Directorate of Emerging Technologies. While the Emerging Technology Directorate will require coordination between the executive branch and other White House bodies, it would be ideal to have staff that wears two hats and reports to the principals in both entities. Such a directorate would ensure that security policy is informed by science and economic concerns. In addition, a new directorate of International Economic Affairs should oversee the Intecon program. This could also create a new DAP-level position within OSTP.
Dual-use technologies
Despite the growing number of technological innovations, most of them are still considered to be “dual-use,” with two distinct uses. Dual-use technologies are technological advances with potential to be dangerous, and governments are required to take these risks into account when making policy decisions. The governance of dual-use technologies is a complex problem and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The goal is to minimize the risk of dual-use technologies and increase their public awareness.
While it is possible to copy the policies of other countries, this strategy does not work in the European supranational context. Member states have different levels of responsibility, burden sharing, and EU-mandated obligations. In this context, it is important for the European Union to develop specific funding initiatives for dual-use technologies. The funding available under the European Structural Funds, Horizon 2020 innovation fund, and the new European Defence Fund are all examples of EU funding. Unfortunately, these initiatives are not designed specifically for dual-use technologies and are subject to lengthy processes.
