Horizon scanning and analysis of techno-scientific trends: Scientific Foresight Study

Estudo 05-07-2017

This horizon scan has identified eight major technological trends relevant for STOA. First, a scan was conducted to measure controversy on social media, and this constituted an initial controversy ranking. After more detailed analysis of the main technology trends identified, a set of STOA-relevant areas were selected, which have not yet been investigated by STOA so far. These are big data, gene technology, electric vehicles, autonomous cars and impact of algorithms. A number of additional trend areas with high potential impact on society were identified for analysis: screen addiction, fake news and bioterrorism. Within the eight topics selected for detailed analysis from the initial horizon scanning process, keywords, subtopics, and sentiments have been detected and analysed from social media and news articles. These eight technologies are areas for discussion amongst the STOA Panel members when considering new project activities to be undertaken.