Emerging Technologies: The SMTA Approach

摘要

At a recent meeting, the SMTA Board of Directors attempted to focus on emerging technologies, or more to the point: "Exactly what are emerging technologies and what can we realistically expect in the not-so-distant future?" By definition, an emerging technology is one whose science, basic principles and theory are understood, and at least some useful applications are recognized. An emerging technology's potential is mostly unfulfilled as evidenced by a lack of significant products, possibly by the lack of market demand or need. Occasionally, an emerging technology is at odds with prevailing processes and becomes disruptive, dislodging the set norm by a paradigm shift to a superior new approach.