The Global Technology Revolution 2020, Executive Summary: Bio/Nano/Materials/Information Trends, Drivers, Barriers, and Social Implications

Abstract

"MG-475-NIC"--Page 4 of cover. "Prepared for the National Intelligence Council." In 2020, areas of particular importance for technology trends will include biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials technology, and information technology. The authors of this report assessed a sample of 29 countries across the spectrum of scientific advancement (low to high) with respect to their ability to acquire and implement 16 key technology applications (e.g., cheap solar energy, rural wireless communications, genetically modified crops). Introduction -- Some top technology applications for 2020 -- Nations will continue to vary in their capacity to reap the benefits of technology applications -- What countries will be able to acquire which technology applications by 2020? -- What drivers and barriers affect these countries' ability to implement the technology applications they could acquire? -- Different countries, different issues: the capacity of various nations to use technology applications to address national problems -- Why countries prioritize economic growth -- Countries at various levels of development prioritize strengthening the military -- Individual health as a national priority generally follows public health -- Countries' capacity to achieve science and technology goals -- The science and technology path to 2020.