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Emerging technologies

Bill Gates –“The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you
don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”
Alvin Toffler (a futurist and author) – “Technology feeds on itself. Technology
makes more technology possible.”
David Wong (author) – “New technology is not good or evil in and of itself. It’s
all about how people choose to use it.”
Klaus Schwab (the founder of the World Economic Forum)- “We stand on the
brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live,
work, and relate to one another.”
Emerging technologies refer to innovative advancements that have the
potential to transform industries, economies, and societies. These include
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, Blockchain, Biotechnology, 6G,
and Renewable Energy Innovations. According to the World Economic Forum,
emerging technologies are expected to contribute over $15 trillion to the
global economy by 2030. For example- AI in healthcare helps diagnose diseases
like cancer with 95% accuracy (WHO, 2023).

Emerging technologies:

Emerging technologies touch every aspect of societies with advancement in

various technologies:
1) Artificial Intelligence: Recent launch of AI model by China (Deepseek),
and global race to develop large language model (LLM) showcase the

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importance of artificial intelligence. It involves processing of huge
amount of data with gradually mimicking the human intelligence in decision
making. It has transformative impact across sectors:
 Financial: Tools like Mulehunter.AI can be used in detecting financial
frauds.
 Autonomous vehicles: It involves self driving cars, advanced driver
assistance system(ADAS) ,predictive maintainence
 Defence& Security: AI is being used in intelligence gathering and
surveillance to autonomous weapons.
2) Quantum computing: Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-
edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities (superposition) of
quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most
powerful classical computers.
From the development of new drugs and performing machine learning in a
new way to supply-chain optimization and climate change challenges,
quantum computing might hold the key to breakthroughs in a number of
critical industries.
Recently, Google has unveiled a new chip which it claims takes five
minutes to solve a problem that would currently take the world’s fastest
super computers ten septillion – or 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
years – to complete, naming this chip as “Willow”.
3) 6th generation communication technology: 6G Technology is the sixth
generation-cellular network that would operate in untapped radio
frequencies and use cognitive technologies like AI to enable
communication multiple times faster than the existing 5G network. It is
expected to be launched by 2030 with countries like Japan, China, India
leading in research of this technology.

4) Blockchain technology: Blockchain is a secure database shared across a

network of participants, where up-to-date information is available to all

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participants at the same time. It is also known as Distributed Ledger
Technology.

Blockchain technology can be used in supply chain management to ensure

transparency, it can also provide security to data stored, it prevents role
of middlemen in transaction between the two. Eg. e₹ is based on
decentralised blockchain network
5) Biotechnology: Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular
processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our
lives and the health of our planet.
Biotechnology involves various mechanisms to achieve its objective:
 Genetic Engineering- Genetic engineering is the process of altering an
organism’s DNA using laboratory-based technologies. Recombinant DNA
Technology and the Polymerase chain reaction are common methods of
gene cloning.
 RNA Interference (RNAi)- RNAi is a natural defence mechanism of plants
and other eukaryotic cells. It is leveraged to silence genes for
for investigating gene functions, knocking down genes in diseases, and
even developing pest-resistant plants.
 Tissue culture- It involves the growth of tissues or cells (plants or
animals) in an artificial medium separate from the parent organism.
Unprecedented Speed – Up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps) (100× faster
than 5G).
6) 3D printing: 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making
three dimensional objects from a digital file. 3D printing is the opposite
of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a block
of material with for instance a milling machine.
3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material
than traditional manufacturing methods.
Example- L&T constructed 3D printed post-office in Bengaluru in 2023,
Mahindra produces around 200 3D-printed polymer parts annually for
vehicle prototypes. This has accelerated design verification and
development.

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7) Extended reality(XR): Extended reality (XR) is an emerging umbrella

term for all immersive technologies, including virtual reality, augmented
reality, and mixed reality.

8) Internet of things(IoT): It refers to physical objects embedded with

sensors that communicate with computers. The IoT enables the physical
world to be digitally monitored or controlled. It involves smart homes (
use of Alexa, Google nest), IoT wearables like Fitbit, Apple watch tracks
heart rate, oxygen levels ,etc. IoT industry is expected to touch
$1.6trillion by 2030.
AI-Powered Networks – Intelligent networks that self-optimize for
better performance.
9) Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology refers to the branch of science
manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale, i.e. having one or more
dimensions of the order of 100 nanometres (100 millionth of a millimeter)
or less.

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Recently IFFCO got approval for nano zinc and nano copper liquids for
agriculture showcases its potential.

Importance of emerging technology:

 Innovation and creativity: New technologies often enable new ways of

thinking, problem-solving, and creating, leading to innovative solutions and
creative products or services. Eg. AI creating unique solutions to complex
problems
 Efficiency and productivity: Many techs can automate tasks, streamline
processes, and improve communication, leading to increased efficiency
and productivity in various industries.Eg. Internet of things devices
easing access to devices
 Competitive advantage: By adopting emerging techs early or utilizing
them in unique ways, businesses can gain a competitive advantage. Eg.
Use of 2nd generation biofuels reduce dependence on fossil fuels
 Cost savings: Some technologies can reduce costs by automating tasks or
improving resource utilization. Eg. Quantum technology enhancing
communication, reducing cost
 Improved communication and connectivity: Technologies like 5G
networks, cloud computing and video conferencing platforms are making
communication and collaboration easier and faster
 Greater accessibility: Assistive technologies like prosthetics and speech
recognition software can improve the lives of people with disabilities.

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India’s initiatives for emerging tech:

India’s target is to expand its economy to USD 7 trillion by 2030, necessitating

a strategic emphasis on smart and advanced technology.
1. iDEX: iDEX, launched in 2018, is an ecosystem to foster innovation &
technology development in Defence and Aerospace .The ADITI scheme,
launched in 2024,offers grants of up to Rs 25 crore for developing 30
key defence technologies under the iDEX framework.
2. iCET Initiative: The iCET initiative was launched by India and the US in
May 2022, and is being run by the National Security Councils of both
countries.
The six areas for cooperation are scientific research and development;
quantum and AI, defence innovation, space, advanced telecom which
would include things like 6G and semiconductors.

3. National Quantum Mission: It was approved by the Union Cabinet in

April 2023 with a budget of Rs 6,000 crore, the NQM will run from
2023 to 2031.
Recently, the chairman of the Mission Governing Board of the National
Quantum Mission, announced that India plans to launch a quantum
satellite within the next 2-3 years to enable quantum communications.
4. India AI Mission: The Union cabinet has approved over Rs 10,300 crore
for IndiaAI Mission to strengthen Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Innovation Ecosystem.
It aims to establish an ecosystem for AI innovation through public-
private partnerships.
5. National mission on bioeconomy: Launched by the Institute of Bio-
resources and Sustainable Development (under Ministry of Science and
Technology) to boost rural economy by utilising bio-resources.
6. Draft National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2020-2025): To
make India globally competitive in biotechnology research, innovation,
translation, entrepreneurship and industrial growth and be a USD 150
billion Bioeconomy by 2025.
7. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): It aims to seed,
grow and promote R&D and foster a culture of research and innovation
throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D
laboratories. ANRF aims to receive funds amounting to Rs. 50,000 crore
during 2023-28 period.
8. Atal Innovation Mission: AIM is a flagship initiative set up by the Niti
Aayog in 2016 with an objective to create and encourage an environment

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of innovation and entrepreneurship across schools, educational
organisations, research institutes, and industries, including MSMEs.
It sets up Atal tinkering lab (ATL) to innovation in school 10000 ATL has
already been created with budget 2025-26 aims to create 50000 more
ATL.

Challenges:

 Funding Gap: Despite the government’s initiatives to boost funding for

research and development (R&D), current level of investment, around
0.7% of GDP, is significantly lower than the 2-3% typically allocated by
leading nations.
 Infrastructure and Skill Gap: Advancing technologies like Quantum
Computing, AI, and Semiconductor manufacturing require robust
infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
 Limited Private Sector Involvement: Economic survey 2024-25 noted
that only around 36% of R&D is funded by the private sector, with
various forms of government-led investment leading the way.
 International Collaboration and Competition: Managing geopolitical
tensions and ensuring access to critical resources and technologies amidst
global competition pose significant challenges for India’s technological
advancement.
 Opposition to research: Conservative approach to working, leading to
society averse to research and more focussed on employment
opportunity.

Way forward:

1) Boosting Investment in R&D: Implement policies to incentivize both

public and private sector investment in research and development,
particularly in emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI.
2) Enhancing Research Infrastructure: Allocate funds for upgrading
research infrastructure, including laboratories, computing facilities,
and specialised equipment, in universities and research institutions.
3) Adapting Regulatory Framework: Establish a dynamic regulatory
framework that can swiftly adapt to technological advancements while
ensuring ethical standards and addressing potential risks.
4) Promoting Collaboration and Skill Development: Encourage
collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions to
foster knowledge exchange and skill development in emerging
technologies.

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5) Successful implementation of Draft national science policy: Aims to
reserve 30% seats for women in leadership position in science sector.

Conclusion:

Emerging technologies are not just shaping the future—they are the future.
From AI revolutionizing industries to quantum computing solving complex
problems, these innovations enhance efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability.
Nations and businesses that embrace these advancements will lead in global
progress, while those that resist change risk falling behind. As Bill Gates said,
“We’re changing the world with technology.” The key lies in responsible
innovation, ensuring that technology serves humanity for a smarter, safer, and
more inclusive world.

Questions for practice:

 “The future belongs to those who innovate: The role of emerging

technologies in shaping a new world order.”
 “Emerging technologies: A catalyst for human progress or a threat to
ethical values?”

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