A Perspective of the Future
An area of opportunity
We need science!” No, coordinating or subordinating conjunctions. But we also need better communication. Not just on a social level, that’s a more significant problem.
I’m referring to science communication. The practice of dispersing relevant (non-IP) information to the masses about your technology or field at a level your average 5th grader could understand. How can we invent and expect market adoption if consumers are deficient in science and health literacy?
Disagree; prove me wrong.
It’s all about access
Digital media is at the forefront of ideas. Think about it. Generations are exposed to concepts and technology anywhere in the world at any time on a number of devices.
We can take a series of courses or watch seminars at any time as long as we have access to the internet. Yesterday’s network communications required a wired connection. Today it is wireless.
A step into the future
Today infectious diseases are detected using a cartridge but tomorrow will involve subdermal microchips. Today vaccination is performed using a syringe. However, tomorrow it will be administered by nasal mist or skin patch. Today we rely on animal farming for materials. Tomorrow, materials will be grown in the lab. Today we travel by passenger trains — tomorrow by high-speed rail systems. Today our rare earth minerals are sourced through conflict mining — tomorrow available through biomining.
For each process, the combination of computational intelligence and synthetic biology presents an opportunity. The road to consumer adoption becomes a daunting challenge without proper communication of the benefits and risks.
Evaluating scientific achievements
Teams at Moderna (MRNA) and BioNTech SE (BNTX) boosted mRNA vaccine applicability by developing a solution for COVID-19. Merck successfully obtained FDA approval for Ervebo® in 2019. Scientists at Mars Incorporated discovered a new anthocyanin compound using computation and synthetic biology.
Google’s Deepmind AI system outperformed six radiologists in detecting both breast and prostate cancer from a pool of 29,000 samples. Waste from Seville orange harvest is now an experimental source to create clean energy. And we cannot forget the power of 3D bioprinting, a field finally catching traction.
Geopolitical challenges ahead
Most of our global supply chain still relies on antiquated processes. Incidences such as the Suez Canal event are damaging to markets. However, there are no comparisons to COVID-19’s influence. Remember the inability to procure personal protective equipment (PPE). Now, it’s silicon chip manufacturing. Will agriculture be the next market?
A weakness in resource attainment could surely hamper innovation.
Around the world, climate change is changing the way people live. Artificial intelligence promotes an opportunity to track and solve complex scenarios. But as countries fight to become the leader, competition may damage international relations. The unfortunate consequence may include an increase in government regulation and hamper global collaboration efforts.
Conclusion
This article represents my perspective on the future of global innovation. Outcomes of advancement will always create rift amongst parties as competition allows for one winner. Although many small businesses will close due to a weakened economy, new opportunities will continue to rise. It then becomes imperative for ideas to flourish beyond academia, government, and private. Scientists must adapt and communicate or face the consequence of public mistrust and lose out in the competition..
