Recently compiled by researchers at Battelle is a list of the top 10 strategic technologies for the next decade. The listing should be of particular interest to individuals in the industrial heating industry since the majority of items involve energy, fuel, instrumentation and controls, sensors, computer-based design, super materials and electronics and miniaturization. Among the ten technologies, only the area combining education and entertainment and medical aspects are not directly applicable to this industry, although interest in these technologies certainly exists and a point could be made of indirect relationships of value. The choices for the ten strategic technologies were based on three criteria. They must: provide benefits to the end user; enjoy a protected and sustainable competitive advantage, in such areas as quality, uniqueness, or price; support business goals. The top ten strategic technologies, in order of importance, are: (1) Mapping of the human genome for genetic-based personal identification and diagnostics. Researchers will look for ways to treat diseases before they occur. For example, if a person carries the gene that gives them a 90 percent probability of contracting Lou Gehrig's disease, treatment could start in hopes of staving off the disease. Genome mapping also could lead to cures for specific cancers.
展开▼
