Ten Convergence Scenarios that Can Dramatically Reshape the Technology Landscape

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Convergence scenarios are the result of a synergistic confluence of various technologies that creates diverse solutions with unique value propositions, previously unavailable. These opportunities create a cyclical system where technology drives convergence and convergence, in turn, drives the development of new technologies. 

Technology convergence scenarios have indeed been the springboard for a lot of innovation in recent history and have forced companies to adapt to a culture of innovation and invention. Organizations today are forced to adopt a more user-centric and anticipatory approach to product development, enabling them to anticipate new markets and applications faster than competitors.

Today’s entrepreneurial scenario is characterized by technology convergences, which are constantly fostering new markets, application areas and products of greater complexity with higher disruption potential.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, 2015 Technology Convergence Scenarios, identifies and analyzes the following convergence scenarios:

• Future utility 
• Connected farming
• Blind man’s guide
• Automated decision-making
• Next-gen connected care
• Seventh sense
• Neuroprosthetics-based body suit
• Augmented reality-based surgery
• Virtual education-as-a-service
• Augmented reality for enhanced user experience

“The opportunities emerging from the integration of technologies are not limited to futuristic concepts that can enhance human performance,” said TechVision Research Analyst. “There is significant scope in creating inventive and functional products that can be woven into the everyday lives of people.”

Wearable electronics and interconnectedness by way of the Internet of Things, ubiquitous sensors and increased mobility, are hard trends that are likely to persist and result in the most impact. In addition, context-rich systems are expected to be more pervasive, in line with consumer demands. These technology focus areas have already entered previously unconnected areas such as healthcare, and will likely weave themselves into the fabric of our lives in more ways than ever.

North America and Europe will be at the forefront of these developments owing to higher funding and, in some cases, regulatory incentives that fast track advancement in these regions. North America is the global leader in terms of dollars spent on R&D, patents filed and the rate of adoption in most technology fields.

2015 Technology Convergence Scenarios, a part of the TechVision subscription, covers a diverse scope of convergence scenarios; from smart and efficient farming to lifestyle improvement for the visually impaired; from computer-driven decisions enabling actionable intelligence to automated theranostics; from virtual cloud-based brain-connected education systems to augmented experiences in the consumer, defense, education and gaming. 

The technology convergence scenarios envisioned in this report have tremendous potential to enhance user experience and add value to society. 

Frost & Sullivan's global TechVision practice focuses on innovation, disruption and convergence and provides a variety of technology based alerts, newsletters and research services as well as growth consulting services. Its premier offering, the TechVision program, identifies and evaluates the most valuable emerging and disruptive technologies enabling products with near-term potential. A unique feature of the TechVision program is an annual selection of 50 technologies that can generate convergence scenarios, possibly disrupt the innovation landscape, and drive transformational growth. 

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants.