The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its annual report on the top ten emerging technologies for 2023.
This report, which has been published since 2011, aims to identify technologies that have the potential to transform economies and societies.
The WEF gathers input from academics, industry leaders and futurists to compile this list, providing valuable insights into the technologies that could shape our future.
Over the years, the WEF’s report has accurately predicted the impact of various emerging technologies. For instance, in 2015, the report highlighted CRISPR-Cas9, a genetic-engineering tool that went on to win the Nobel Prize and is now being used for creating insect and drought-resistant crops.
Similarly, in 2017, the report featured messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) vaccines, which played a crucial role in developing COVID-19 vaccines and protecting lives worldwide.
The 2018 edition highlighted AI-led molecular design, which led to significant breakthroughs such as Deepmind’s AlphaFold predicting the structure of millions of proteins.
In its 11th year, the 2023 report not only identifies the top ten emerging technologies but also assesses their potential impact on people, the planet, prosperity, industry, and equity.
These “impact fingerprints” aim to stimulate further analysis and discussion on how these technologies can shape our future.
Additionally, the report includes transformation maps from the Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Platform, providing deeper insights and connections to other global topics.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top ten emerging technologies for 2023:
- Flexible batteries: These batteries offer flexibility in design and can be integrated into various devices, enabling new possibilities for portable electronics.
- Generative artificial intelligence: This technology focuses on AI systems that can generate creative and innovative outputs, fostering advancements in fields like art, design, and content creation.
- Sustainable aviation fuel: With a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, sustainable aviation fuel offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
- Designer phages: Phages are viruses that can target and destroy specific bacteria, and designer phages involve modifying them to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improve healthcare treatments.
- Metaverse for mental health: The metaverse, a virtual reality space, can be leveraged to support mental health interventions, offering immersive experiences for therapy and well-being.
- Wearable plant sensors: These sensors can monitor the health of plants, enabling farmers to optimize their crop management and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
- Spatial omics: By combining genomic data with spatial information, spatial omics allows for a deeper understanding of the complex interactions within biological systems, leading to advancements in personalized medicine and disease research.
- Flexible neural electronics: This technology focuses on developing flexible electronics that can interface with the human nervous system, potentially leading to breakthroughs in healthcare and prosthetic devices.
- Sustainable computing: Sustainable computing aims to reduce the environmental impact of digital technologies by optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing electronic waste.
- AI-facilitated healthcare: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being utilized in healthcare settings, aiding in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care.
While the report provides valuable insights into the top emerging technologies for 2023, it does not specifically mention which of these technologies are being generated in Africa or Ghana. However, it’s important to note that emerging technologies have the potential to benefit regions globally, including Africa and Ghana, by driving innovation, economic growth, and social progress.
The WEF hopes that this report will serve as a valuable resource for business leaders and policy-makers, enabling them to harness the transformative power of emerging technologies responsibly and foster inclusive adoption.
By embracing these technologies, African countries like Ghana have the opportunity to participate in the global technological advancements and contribute to their own development.
While the report does not specifically highlight technologies generated in Africa, it is important to recognize that innovation and technological progress are not limited to specific regions.
In recent years, Africa has witnessed a growing tech ecosystem with innovative startups and entrepreneurs driving technological solutions tailored to the continent’s needs. Governments and organizations across Africa are also investing in initiatives to foster technological innovation and digital transformation.
For example, in Ghana, there have been notable developments in various technological fields. The country has seen advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar power, to address energy challenges and promote sustainability.
Additionally, the emergence of fintech companies and mobile payment solutions has revolutionized the financial sector, promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Furthermore, African countries are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to tackle societal challenges, improve healthcare delivery, enhance agriculture practices, and drive economic growth.
While the specific technologies listed in the WEF report may not be generated in Ghana or Africa, the continent’s innovation landscape is evolving rapidly. Local startups and organizations are actively working on groundbreaking solutions that align with global trends to regional needs.
It is crucial for governments, academia, and industry stakeholders in Africa to continue fostering an enabling environment for research and development, entrepreneurship, and technological adoption.
By nurturing local talent, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, African countries can position themselves as key players in the emerging technology landscape.
While the WEF report does not specify which of the top ten emerging technologies are being generated in Africa or Ghana, it is important to acknowledge the continent’s potential to contribute to technological advancements.
Through strategic investments, collaboration, and supportive policies, African countries can actively participate in and benefit from the transformative power of emerging technologies, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.
About The Author
