Technology Predictions

Abstract

The articles in this special section present technology predictions. At a time of global uncertainty, this theme issue of Computer explores developments that could benefit humanity and the planet. Predictions have always excited the curiosity of a wide spectrum of audiences but, at best, with questionable credibility and a mixed record of success. This situation has been true from ancient times until recently, to be specific, the beginning of 2020. The sense of urgency triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has left us with limited scientific evidence and many predictions about a wide variety of issues. Vaccines were minimally tested and rushed into deployment, with evaluation conducted in parallel. Those from some manufacturers were suddenly withdrawn, for example, because recipients developed blood clots, only to be reinstated once predictions were deemed sufficiently optimistic, without firm proof. Many nations and their economies were closed based on the best predictions by politicians, while others were left open, with hopeful predictions that economic survival was more critical than the inevitable lives lost. Corporations were predicting the earliest time they could reopen offices, how and when to restructure supply chains, and on what diverging markets to bet in the midst of the ultimate instability. Every small business owner had to predict how to sustain his or her business or face closing. Families made similar predictions as their circumstances warranted. Suddenly, everyone was making predictions.