Expert Analysts and Data Science Combine to Identify and Rank 18 Technologies with Greatest Potential to Transform the World Over the Next Decade

Boston, Mass., Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business leaders need to be able to spot emerging technologies that present big growth opportunities or serious competitive threats, but are often stuck relying on either subjective opinions or an excess of raw data without context or insight. To help bring the future into better focus, Lux Research, a leading provider of research and advisory services about technology innovation, used a combination of its expert analysts and proprietary data analysis platform to answer the question "What technologies have the greatest potential to transform the world over the next decade?"“We looked at traditional industry approaches to predicting technology innovations to watch, and they were all based on intuition, surveys of industry executives, news sources, or other lagging indicators - we knew there had to be a better way. We are leading the digital transformation of our own industry with our intelligence platform, designed to surface true leading indicators and equip our analysts with the proprietary data and analytic tools to help our members make better decisions, faster,” said Andrew Stockwell, new Senior VP of Research, Product & Operations at Lux.From machine learning to synthetic biology and from solid-state batteries to the microbiome, Lux Research's "18 for 2018" report identifies and ranks 18 technologies that are on track to reshape the world. The rankings are based on the Lux Tech Signal innovation interest score, providing an objective and consistent measure of how much innovation is happening in a given technology or product area, combined with expert insight from their team of science and engineering trained analysts.The Top 5 Transformative Technologies to Watch in 20181) Machine Learning and Deep Neural Networks - Watch for the impact from a 30% annual increase in machine learning patents2) 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing - Lux expects 3D printing to be a $20 billion market by 20253) Genome Editing - $1.2 billion in VC funding will impact industries from food to healthcare4) 5G Networks - Over 70,000 patents set the stage for 5G network launches in 20185) Microbiome - Harnesses the power of personalized microbes for health and nutritionIn addition to describing and ranking the technologies, the report includes key details such as industries that will be affected, key players in each space, and Lux's take on the potential impact of each technology. Different technologies require different approaches, so the report also groups the technologies into three categories:

• The current rock stars of innovation: These include 3D printing (ranked # 2 on the list), 5G networks (#4) and smartwatches (#9). According to Mike Holman, VP Intelligence at Lux Research, "these technologies have been rising stratospherically during the past few years and demonstrate substance. A strategy for each of these technologies is a must-have for any company in relevant industries – but beware of strong competition and the risk of inflated expectations."

• Hard problems that remain relevant: Here the analysts point to synthetic biology (#7), energy distribution system monitoring (#14) and sugar substitutes/reduction (#16) and add that "these technologies continue to attract attention due to their massive potential impact, but have had a tough road to commercial impact so far." Lux suggests companies maintain a portfolio approach, rather than make big bets, to manage risk.

• Hidden gems: This category includes solid-state batteries (#6), materials informatics (#11) and edge computing (#13). Described as "a bit more under the radar, these technologies do not yet attract much innovation attention in absolute terms, but they are at the beginning of what could be a meteoric rise." The Lux take is that companies should consider starting a program now in order to stake out an early leadership position that could pay off big.

For the complete ranking, download the executive summary.About Lux ResearchLux Research is a leading provider of research and advisory services, helping clients drive growth through technology innovation. With quality data derived from primary research, fact-based analysis, and opinions that challenge traditional thinking, Lux clients are empowered to make better, informed decisions today to ensure future success. A pioneer in the research industry, Lux is uniquely positioned with technical expertise in addition to business insights, augmented by advanced analytics and data science.Analysis you trust. Opinions you rely on. Make better decisions, faster. For more information visit www.luxresearchinc.com, connect on LinkedIn, or follow @LuxResearch.Attachments:A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3119d212-69b9-4f51-b54d-1fbd61770574Attachments:A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/803d40e9-1334-4318-b59e-22db0b34e94dEmily Fisher
Lux Research
Press@luxresearchinc.com