Here’s what we learned from both groups:
Most likely to change the world? Artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
Across all survey participants these two technologies were selected as most likely to change the way in which humans experience the world, out of a field that included other significant runners up. An incredible 92 percent of tech influencers noted that artificial intelligence was somewhat or very likely to impact how we experience the world and 90 percent believed that autonomous, or driverless, vehicles would do the same. From how we move, to how machines will anticipate our need, there’s consensus that the biggest change could come from smarter machines operating with increasingly less direct human control.
The general population believes that smart cyber is most likely to benefit how the government serves its citizens.
When asked which of these technologies would most benefit how government serve their citizens, the general population noted a focus on smart cyber along with other technologies. But the tech experts were more focused. More than artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles, the experts believed government service would be transformed by universal connectivity. The promise of universal connectivity could see government increasing the speed and reach of their services.
Compared to the general population’s responses, more tech elites believe that technology will transform industries—and sooner than we think.
We then went to the impact of these changes, asking participants to rate the impact these technologies will have on various industries. Survey participants universally listed the technology sector, manufacturing, and energy sectors as their bets for the most change. But tech influencers see a broader effect, with technology bringing significant change to all industries. And in almost every case, the tech elites working on these new technologies responded that their impact would happen sooner than the general population expects. According to the tech respondents, big changes are coming across industries in the next three years. If their prediction is right, we need to move faster as we prepare for the social and economic disruption—both good and bad—that these technologies will bring.
Education and private-sector investments are most likely to encourage technological innovation.
Both tech elites and the public agree that education and private sector investment, including research and development, global talent, and educational scholarships, are the most important factor fueling future tech innovations.
Anticipating the future is only valuable if it leads to action today. Regardless of when these changes will come or what industry will be most transformed by them, there is clear consensus that a big technological leap is coming. We aren’t just anticipating a “next step;” machine learning, ubiquitous connectivity, and autonomous vehicles will fundamentally change how we live. They will bring new ethical conundrums, further strain wage inequality, and challenge the value proposition—and indeed authority—of central governments.
