The IEEE Future Directions Committee's 2030 Technology Megatrends Report predicts that by 2028, genetic engineering and gene therapy will become common treatments for various diseases, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.
The report, compiled by 166 experts from 38 countries, identifies five megatrends: AI, energy, health, space, and physical AI. Each megatrend is a collection of related technologies with the potential to reshape industries and everyday life.
Experts predict that within two years, genetic engineering and gene therapy will be used to treat diseases, and within five years, earlier disease diagnoses will move from laboratories to daily medical practice.
The report also notes that AI technology is advancing faster than any previous technological revolution, becoming a general-purpose infrastructure that connects various systems, but it also highlights the need for robust computing infrastructure and energy sources to scale up AI.
Healthcare is highlighted as a high-impact area, with personalized medicine scoring the highest for its potential to improve human life, driven by AI and innovative biotech startups.
Analysis: The report underscores the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, particularly in healthcare, where it can significantly enhance personalized medicine and disease diagnosis. However, the rapid pace of AI development also raises concerns about infrastructure and workforce adaptation.