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
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.
October 10, 2023|Reports & Briefings
The U.S. Approach to Quantum Policy
In the nearly 25 years since NSF held the U.S. government’s first workshop on the topic, it has become increasingly apparent that quantum information science has the potential to drive major advances in computing power, secure communication, and scientific discovery. So, the government has rightly recognized it needs to play an active role in ensuring the nation remains competitive in this critical field.
August 28, 2023|Reports & Briefings
ITIF Technology Explainer: DOCSIS 4.0
Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) is an industry standard, set by cable industry group CableLabs, that specifies high-bandwidth data communications. DOCSIS 4.0 is the latest standard.
July 11, 2023|Presentations
The Blockchain Tech Revolution
Daniel Castro speaks about blockchain technology on a panel at NALEO's 40th Annual Conference in New York City.
May 30, 2023|Features
Data Isn’t the New Oil; That Might Be a Good Thing
Defending Digital Series, No. 18: The war in Ukraine and the return of persistent inflation have made it clear that energy is still much more important to peoples’ lives than digital data.
May 5, 2023|Blogs
FAA Standardization Could Help Delivery Drones Take Flight
Drone delivery should be taking off, but the Federal Aviation Administration’s continued use of one-off waivers for operating delivery drones, instead of comprehensive regulations, have grounded delivery drone ambitions across the United States.