Emerging Technologies
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As nations engage in a race for global advantage in innovation, ITIF champions a new policy paradigm that ensures businesses and national economies can compete successfully by spurring public and private investment in foundational areas such as research, skills, and 21st century infrastructure. Our work on emerging technologies includes analysis of issues surrounding the development and adoption of transformative new technologies—from drones and advanced robotics to 3D printing and digital currencies.
Featured
Why the United States Needs to Support Near-Term Quantum Computing Applications
As other nations rapidly scale up their investments to develop and use quantum computing, U.S. policymakers should ensure the United States remains a leader. Investing in near-term applications would bolster the development of longer-term use cases, thereby helping to cement U.S. economic competitiveness and protect national security.
More Publications and Events
May 7, 2024|Books & Edited Volumes
Technology Fears and Scapegoats: 40 Myths about Privacy, Jobs, AI, and Today’s Innovation Economy
Technologies and tech companies are accused of creating a myriad of societal problems. This book exposes them as mostly myths, falsehoods, and exaggerations.
April 1, 2024|Blogs
How Political Transitions Affect Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies
A new research paper has found that calls for scientific research funding in Colombia increased over a 15-year period despite transitions in political control of the country’s government.
April 1, 2024|Podcasts
Podcast: Supply Chain Origins and Innovations, With Yossi Sheffi
The term ‘supply chain’ is relatively new, but the activities involved are not as new as we think.
March 26, 2024|Blogs
Warner-Blackburn Bill to Maintain US Leadership in Technical Standards Is Well-Intentioned, But Needs Fixing and Funding
On February 29, 2024, Senators Warner and Blackburn introduced the “Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2024.” The bill is well-intentioned, but it needs key changes if it’s to be effective in helping the United States retain its leading role in setting technical standards for CETs.
March 25, 2024|Blogs
Fact of the Week: Manufacturing Firms That Adopt Robots Export More Often Than Non-Adopters
A recent working paper found that not only are manufacturers that adopt robots more likely than non-adopters to export, they also export to more regions.
March 11, 2024|Reports & Briefings
How Innovative Is China in the Robotics Industry?
China does not yet appear to be leading in robotic innovation, but its domestic production and adoption are growing rapidly, and the Chinese government has prioritized the industry. It is likely only a matter of time before Chinese robotics companies catch up to the leading edge.
March 11, 2024|Podcasts
Podcast: The Interplay of Hype and Skepticism in Autonomous Vehicle Advancements, With Richard Mudge
Amidst the burgeoning advancements in autonomous vehicles, striking a balance between expectation and reality emerges as a challenge.
February 20, 2024|Podcasts
Podcast: Quantum Computing’s Potential to Drive Business Results, With Murray Thom
While quantum computing technology is maturing more slowly than other innovations, its potential is vast.
January 16, 2024|Blogs
Fact of the Week: Robot Adoption Among Brazilian Firms Did Not Result in Significant Job Losses
A working paper analyzed the effect that robot and tool adoption have on Brazilian workers and found that there were no statistically significant effects on employment or earnings for workers with at least a high school diploma.
December 4, 2023|Blogs
Fact of the Week: Robot Imports Improved Productivity of French Manufacturing Firms
An October 2023 working paper found that a 1-percent increase in a proxy for robot exposure was associated with a 0.30 percentage point increase per year in productivity and a 0.15-percentage point increase per year in sales.