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

by Silberglitt, Richard; Anton, Philip S.; Howell, David R.; Wong, Anny; Bohandy, S. R.

• ISBN13: 9780833039101
• ISBN10: 0833039105
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Package
• Copyright: 2006-05-01
• Publisher: RAND CORPORATION

Summary

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).

Table of Contents

Foreword	iii
Preface	v
Figures and Tables	ix
Summary	xi
Acknowledgments	xiii
Executive Summary	1	(1)
Introduction	1	(1)
Some Top Technology Applications for 2020	2	(2)
Nations Will Continue to Vary in Their Capacity to Reap the Benefits of Technology Applications	4	(1)
What Countries Will Be Able to Acquire Which Technology Applications by 2020?	5	(2)
What Drivers and Barriers Affect These Countries' Ability to Implement the Technology Applications They Could Acquire?	7	(5)
Different Countries, Different Issues: The Capacity of Various Nations to Use Technology Applications to Address National Problems	12	(1)
Why Countries Prioritize Economic Growth	13	(1)
Countries at Various Levels of Development Prioritize Strengthening the Military	14	(1)
Individual Health as a National Priority Generally Follows Public Health	14	(1)
Countries' Capacity to Achieve Science and Technology Goals	14	(8)
Scientifically Lagging Countries	15	(1)
Scientifically Developing Countries	16	(2)
Scientifically Proficient Countries	18	(2)
Scientifically Advanced Countries	20	(2)
The Science and Technology Path to 2020	22	(2)
Accelerated Technology Development Will Continue	22	(1)
Countries Will Benefit in Considerably Different Ways	23	(1)
Action Will Be Required to Maintain a High Level of S&T Capacity	23	(1)
Countries That Lack Capacity Will Need to Build It	23	(1)
Certain Technology Applications Will Spark Heated Public Debate	24	(1)
Consideration Could Head Off Problems and Maximize Benefits	24	(1)
A Few Words in Conclusion	24	(3)
Selected Bibliography	27