Analysis of the source documents produced 690 individual trends related to science and technology, as well as trends related to broader contextual factors that will shape the evolution of S&T over the coming decades. From this data set, 24 emerging science and technology trends were identified:
In addition to these emerging S&T trends, this report discusses six broad contextual forces that are likely to shape the evolution of science and technology over the next 30 years: urbanization, climate change, resource constraints, shifting demographics, the globalization of innovation, and the rise of a global middle class.
As with previous editions of the S&T Strategic Trends report, a set of “trend cards” are included in this report. These cards provide additional detail on the S&T trends, including a synopsis of each trend, along with summaries of enabling S&T domains, recent developments that signal how each trend might evolve, and a high-level consideration of the impacts each trend might have on society, politics, economics, the environment, and defense. These trend cards provide a convenient reference for trends that have the most potential for influencing Army capabilities and the future operating environment.
Science and technology are part of a system of driving forces that will change many aspects of the world over the next 30 years. While it is impossible to accurately predict the future in detail, the trends discussed in this report will influence the course of global change with ramifications for the U.S. Army. The intent behind the analysis presented here is to inform Army leadership about where the future might be headed, and by doing so, support strategic thinking about how best to prepare the force for the road ahead.