221 Emerging Technologies That Could Shape Europe’s Future

Why Early Detection of Emerging Technologies Matters

Identifying new and emerging technologies early is critical for Europe’s future competitiveness. By detecting these “weak signals” — early indicators of breakthrough innovations — policymakers can better prepare to harness their benefits while managing societal, economic, and security challenges.

The JRC’s methodology, first developed in 2019, has now been applied to the technologies detected throughout 2024, offering valuable insights for guiding Europe’s research and innovation policies.

Spotlight on 221 Emerging Technologies

The report groups these emerging technologies into twelve thematic clusters, ranging from e-Health and biotechnology to aerospace and energy. Many of the technologies involve artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which show promise across healthcare, finance, transportation, and beyond.

For example, AI-driven personalized medicine could revolutionize healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients, while machine learning algorithms could optimize transportation systems to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Europe’s Strength in Research — But Patent Gaps Remain

Europe excels in scientific research, especially in areas like digital twins (virtual replicas of physical objects), AI and machine learning, therapeutics and biotechnologies, energy, environment, and agriculture. European institutions contribute significantly to scientific publications, often producing some of the world’s most impactful research.

However, when it comes to patenting innovations, Europe lags behind the United States and China, who lead in both patent filings and scientific output. This gap suggests that while Europe is strong in knowledge creation, it faces challenges in translating this knowledge into patented technologies and commercial innovations.

The Need for Strategic Investment and Collaboration

To stay competitive on the global stage, Europe must address its fragmented research and development (R&D) landscape and boost investment in emerging technologies. The report underscores the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

By closing the patent gap and fostering stronger cooperation, Europe can not only maintain its leadership in scientific research but also turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world technologies that improve lives and support economic growth.