US prepares to expect the unexpected: Consultants identify potentially disruptive technologies

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This review is based on “Strategic thinking about disruptive technologies” by Nick Evans, Bill Ralston and Andrew Broderick. They describe a project carried out by SRIC‐BI for the US government to identify the most important civilian technologies disruptive to US interests up to 2025. Six technologies identified as likely to be the most disruptive were biofuels and bio‐based chemicals, biogerontechnology, clean coal, energy‐storage materials, service robotics, and The Internet of Things.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2009), "US prepares to expect the unexpected: Consultants identify potentially disruptive technologies", Strategic Direction, Vol. 25 No. 9, pp. 16-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540910983295