Nine big trends that will change the world
Spotting winners in the tech sector early on is incredibly difficult. But if you know where to look, you have a better chance of getting on board a trend early. Here are nine ‘disruptive technologies’ to keep an eye on.
HSBC's highly rated equity strategy team dusted off its crystal ball in a recent report to work out what might be the next big thing in technology. In particular it focused on disruptive technologies': defined as "any innovation that is liable to revolutionise an industry and challenge the dominance of its incumbents", with a major focus on the convergence of "telecoms speed, data capacity and network effects".
The analysts warn that "the winners [in a disruptive technology] take many years to emerge and it is well-nigh impossible to identify them early Conversely, the losers tend to be both more obvious, and more obvious at an early stage". Quite.
Spotting the winners in the technology sector early on is incredibly difficult. But at least if you know where to look, you have a better chance of getting on board a trend early. The report pinpoints a long list of potentially disruptive technologies. I've pulled out some highlights here, many of which are developments that the big tech companies mentioned above are benefiting from, or are well-placed to capitalise on.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The internet of things
Cloud/big data/analytics
Mobile payment and near-field communication
Insurance telematics
Flexible screens
Biosimilars
Stem cells
Fully automated driving
Small mobile telecoms cells: This is all about handling the rapid growth in telecoms traffic. "Diminishing network efficiency gains steer focus towards small cells as a solution to the global mobile data capacity crunch'."
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Tariffs 'were a terrible idea but shunning the US is a big mistake'
Opinion Manufacturers and investors have pivoted away from the US, the world’s biggest economy. That’s a mistake, says Matthew Lynn
-
End of “fleecehold”: Will leasehold reforms bring an end to the UK's feudal system?
Britain’s feudal system of property ownership is being overhauled. It's about time, says Simon Wilson