1
TOP 50 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIESGrowth Opportunities of Strategic Imperative
1
Top 50 Technologies – Table of Contents
2
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Current Key Trends
Preface
Methodology
Global Top 50 Technologies
Trend Analysis of the top 50 technologies
3
Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Technology Cluster -
Table of Contents
Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Technology Cluster
Current Key Trends
Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing is Destined to Penetrate Traditional Technologies
The European Region is Developing this Technology to Cater to Specific Application in the Automotive Sector.
The Impact of Faster and Rapid Manufacturing Process is High Across Various Major Sectors.
Additive Manufacturing is Destined to Disrupt Traditional Manufacturing Technologies
New Business Models has Open Doors for Many Companies to Enter the Additive Manufacturing Market
Important Questions to Ponder
Digital Manufacturing
A Digitalized Future can be Foreseen for the Manufacturing Industry
With Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Trends Increasing, The Patent Activity is Expected to Increase
Key Sectors Across the Globe are Preparing for Digital Expansion
The Raise of Digital Manufacturing will Penetrate Across Several Mega Trends
4
Table of Contents
Major Players Who have Placed Big Beats on Digital Manufacturing Technologies
Important Questions to Ponder
Collaborative industrial robots
Steady Market Growth Driven by Cobots Replacing Humans to Perform Repetitive Tasks
America is Investing on Product Development While Europe is Focused on Technology Development
Safety and versatility : A Hallmark of Cobots
Cobots are progressively thinning the gap between human and robot collaboration
Enhanced Collaboration with Humans is the Key for Market Penetration
Key Questions For Strategy
Robotic Exoskeletons
Robotic exoskeletons : The “Iron-man” technology is here
USA is spearheading in innovations
Increasing human capabilities increases productivity
Spending is increasing in USA and Europe
5
Table of Contents
Companies that are Set Out to Make a Difference
Key Questions For Strategy
Agile Robots
Agile robotics market to hold a significant share in industrial robots market by 2022
USA Agile robot market is growing, indicates IP and funding trends
Automotive industry presents more opportunities for agile robots
Agile Robots are progressively thinning the gap between human and robot collaboration
Companies to Watch Out
Key Questions For Strategy
6
Chemicals and Advanced Materials Technology Cluster – Table of
Contents
Need For Multifunctional, Smart And Environmentally Safe Chemicals And Materials Are Expected To Dominate
Through 2016
Top Technologies Focus on Addressing Specific Requirements of Individual Industries
Top Technologies in Chemicals and Advanced Materials
Bio-based Materials
Emergence of Bio-based Economy Aiding Development of High Performance Renewable Materials
Private And Public Funding Boost Commercialization Efforts in Consumer Goods and Building &
Construction Industries
Diverse Portfolio of Innovative Materials Impact a Wide Array of Industries
R&D Focus Towards Scalability Facilitate Wide Scale Commercialization
North America and Europe Considered as Lucrative Markets for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Key Questions for Strategy
7
Table of Contents
Graphene
Scalability and Commercialization Initiatives Boosting Market Adoption
Mix Of Government And Private Funding Seen Across the World with China Emerging as Research Hotspot
Diverse Forms and Tunable Properties Makes Graphene a Popular Material in Various Industries
USA and China lead the Way as Largest Graphene Producers
Electronics Industry Is Most Lucrative Industry For The Next 3 Years
Key Questions for Strategy
Lightweight Materials
Lightweighting Trend Creating Demand for Advanced Materials with High Strength
North America Lead In IP Activity While Significant R&D Funding Exists Globally
Expansive List Of Industries Facilitate High Adoption Of Lightweight Materials In The Next Three Years
Global Adoption Rate Accelerated by Demand for Emissions Reduction and High Performance Materials
Electronics and Building & Construction Industries Gaining Traction
Key Questions for Strategy
8
Table of Contents
Nanocoatings
Building & Construction and Medical Devices Emerging as High Growth Markets
Multi Substrate Compatibility Of Coatings Driving Adoption
Extensive Funding Activities To Improve Coating Efficacy and Safety
USA Leads In Technology Adoption While China Seen Attractive For Coating Developers
Consumer Perception about Safety Concerns Can Reduce Impact in Short Term
Key Questions for Strategy
Self-healing Materials
Need for Materials with Increased Lifespan and Durability
Mix of Private and Public Funding With Improving Performance and Durability as Key Focus Areas
Paints & Coatings And Construction Markets To Be Highly Impacted In The Next Five Years
USA is leading in Technology Adoption while UK and China are Accelerating R&D Efforts
Highly Disruptive Technology with Wide Application Potential
Key Questions for Strategy
9
Table of Contents
Smart Packaging
Food & Beverage, Personal Care and Pharma Industries Rank High in Adoption
Asia Pacific Region Emerging as a High Growth Market for Healthcare and Pharma Applications
Indication And Detection Remain as Primary Functionalities
Asia Pacific Region Emerging as a High Growth Market for Healthcare and Pharma Applications
Smart Packaging To Replace Traditional Systems Creating Newer Business Models
Key Questions for Strategy
10
Environment and Sustainability Technology Cluster -
Table of Contents
Environment and Sustainability Technology Cluster
Executive Summary
Key Findings
Overlapping Solutions Addressing Environmental and Sustainability Concerns Increase Probability of Success in Sustaining Life on
Earth
Micro Irrigation
Markets are Growing Rapidly Globally As Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture Increases.
USA Leads in Patent Filing. Developing Countries Benefit Mainly From Generous Government Funding for Sustainable
Agriculture.
Micro Irrigation Positively Impacts Agriculture and Food Production, While Preserving the Environment.
The Step-changing Technology Has High Levels of Adoption Globally, Especially in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Innovative Systems Have been Devised to Meet the Various Needs of the Farming Community.
Micro Irrigation Using Drip Application Has High Potential for Larger Adoption Especially in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
11
Table of Contents
Off-grid Desalination
Markets are Growing Rapidly as Water and Energy Stresses Loom Large.
USA Filed the Most Patents. Funding by Governments and Global Organizations Drives Adoption, Especially in Emerging
Economies.
The Technology Has High Positive Impact on Agriculture and Food Production, the Environment and the ‘Energy & Utilities’
Sector.
The Step-changing Technology Will See the Highest Rate of Adoption in the MENA Region.
Most of the Off-grid Desalination Innovations Utilize Solar Power.
Large-scale Solar PV Off-grid Desalination Systems Will be the Emerging Trend. The Middle East Will See the Highest Growth.
Precision Agriculture
Market Growth, Fueled By Environmental and Economic Concerns, is Set to Digitize the Farming Industry.
North America Leads Technologically, but Asia Pacific Has the Most Inventions. Venture Capitalists are the Main Funders.
The Disruptive Technology’s Influence on Six Sectors of Economic Impact is Game-changing. It Will Realize Four Mega Trends.
12
Table of Contents
North America Leads in Technology Development and Adoption. Asia Pacific and Latin America are Fast-growing Markets.
Data Management and Processing are Key to Maximizing Profits While Preserving Environmental Sustainability Through
Precision Agriculture.
Precision Agriculture Has Shown Positive Results and Has Good Potential Even for Smallholdings and the Farmer.
Waste-to-Energy
Its Steady Growth is Expected to Continue for the Next Five Years. Growth for the Biogas Liquefaction Segment will be High.
USA Leads in Patent Filing. Government Funding is Spearheading WtE Development and Deployment Globally, Especially in the
USA and Europe.
The Technologies Impact on Six Sectors, Especially in Terms of Fuel Production and Waste Management.
The Step-changing Technology Will be Adopted Globally and Help Realize Four Mega Trends.
Most of the Waste-to-Energy Innovations are in Thermal Technologies.
13
Table of Contents
High Growth for WtE is Expected in the Agricultural and Municipal Sectors. Plasma Gasification is an Emerging WtE
Technology.
Wastewater Membrane Filtration
The Highest Growth Opportunities Will be Seen in Industrial Wastewater Treatment, Driven Mainly by Wastewater Reuse
and Resource Recovery
Asia Pacific Leads in Intellectual Property but Lacks in Public Funding Provisions
Stepwise Technological Advancements Has Enabled More Significant Impacts on Other Sectors
Increased Adoption is Expected in All Regions of the World as Water Scarcity Becomes a Bigger Threat
Innovations With Improved Performance Increase Overall Energy Efficiency, Reduce Costs and Offers Operational
Flexibility
Cost is the Key Enabler to Address Social Challenges Due to Climate Change Especially in Emerging Economies
14
Energy and Utilities - Table of Contents
Low Crude Oil Prices are Expected to Continue through 2016, with Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Maintaining Investor
Interest
In 2016, the Top 5 Technologies in the Energy & Utilities Cluster are Lithium Batteries, Home Energy Management Systems, Tight Oil
Extraction, Waste Heat Recovery and Microgrids
Lithium Batteries
Diversity in Business Ecosystem leads to Multi-Billion Opportunity
IP and Funding Dominated by Key Companies
Automotive, Consumer Electronics and Utilities are Main Sectors Impacted
Highly Disruptive Technology that is Impacting all Regions
United States and Europe have become Centers of Innovation for Advanced Lithium Battery Chemistries
Key Questions for Strategy
Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS)
New Business Models Are Required to Enable Cost-Effective HEMS
Installation of HEMS Boosted by Government Incentives
ICT and HEMS have a Symbiotic Relationship with Each Other
North America is the Prime Market for HEMS, with Europe and Asia Viewed as Growing Markets
15
Table of Contents
Innovative HEMS Companies is Personalizing and Humanizing Energy Data
Key Questions for Strategy
Tight Oil Extraction
Slow Market Growth for Tight Oil Extraction despite Multi-Billion Opportunity
Companies Resort to Alternative Funding to Keep Projects Running
Highest Impact is seen in Sectors Utilizing Natural Gas
Highly Disruptive Technology but only Concentrated in North America
United States is the Center of Innovation
Key Questions for Strategy
Waste Heat Recovery
Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity in Automotive Sector for Waste Heat Recovery
Government is the Biggest Funder for Waste Heat Recovery
WHR is Impacting Energy Intensive Manufacturing Segments the Most
16
Table of Contents
China and India is the Untapped Market for Waste Heat Recovery
WHR’s Start-ups Are Concentrated in North America
Key Questions For Strategy
Microgrid
Efficient Energy Management Systems Allows Wider Adoption of Microgrid
Innovative Financing System Drives Installation of Microgrids
Microgrids have Changed the Energy Generation Landscape of Third World Countries
North America is the Global Leader in Terms of Stakeholders and Investments
Innovative Companies are focusing on Integration
Key Questions for Strategy
17
Better Outcomes in Healthcare through Innovation
Biosimilars
Biosimilars is poised for a steady and long term growth
Patenting in biosimilars is largely focused on bio manufacturing capabilities
Production of biosimilars is long and complex
Stakeholders are playing a vital role in the future of biosimilar adoption
European regulatory legislations most convenient for biosimilar developers
Europe leads with the highest number of approved biosimilars
Points to consider before making a strategic decision
Health and Wellness Technology Cluster -
Table of Contents
18
Cancer Screening
Early detection and better treatments possible due to cancer screening
United states leads in cancer screening innovations
Increase in funding towards liquid biopsy
Next generation sequencing is a major enabling technology for liquid biopsy
Novel screening techniques will have an impact across the healthcare value chain
Higher adoption rates witnessed in developed economies
Points to consider before making a strategic decision
Molecular Scissors
Agbio, human therapeutics, R&D and industrial applications impacted by molecular scissors
Nucleases used in genome editing have varying technical capabilities
Steady growth in patent filing related to genome editing
Crisp patent battle will impact the gene editing market
Table of Contents
19
High series funding from venture capitals for genome editing innovators
Human therapeutics is a major application area for genome editing
North America and Europe are dominating genome editing marketplace
Points to consider before making a strategic decision
Next-Generation Stem Cells
Success in next-gen stem cells demands a impeccable interaction among stakeholders
The advent of cell reprogramming has reshaped stem cells IP landscape
Clinical trials and stem cell banking services are spectacularly driving the market
Strong governmental support and international collaboration driving science
Next-gen stem cell technology is impacting the industry at all decision levels
Table of Contents
20
From different angles every region is playing its role in the stem cells market
Clinical translation as a major concern for all science driven establishments
Key strategic questions for business development and large-scale adoption
Therapeutic Antibodies
Therapeutic antibodies paving the way of the precision medicine era
An unprecedented search for access to the latest advances in monoclonal antibodies
Top three patent holders concentrate a third of total publications
Private investors and funding organizations heavily focused on antibody therapy
Immuno-oncology leading principal deals in antibody therapeutics
Unprecedented race to reach the market in the first place
Table of Contents
21
Strong focus on clinical translation evidenced through companies creation
Key strategic questions for business development and large-scale adoption
3D Scaffolds
3D Scaffolds a major driver for the growth of 3D cell culture tools
US Leads Innovation Landscape with Highest Patent Applications
NIAMS is a major funding proponent for the development
Functional Characteristics of 3D Scaffolds Impact Tissue Engineering
Key stakeholders are currently focusing on the potential their products have for in vitro laboratory
applications
Europe Leads All Region with Highest Adoption
Key questions for strategic planning
Table of Contents
22
Information and Communication Technology Cluster - Table of
Contents
Technology Trends Analysis 2016
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI Market Growing Rapidly; Recent Breakthroughs Playing Catalytic Roles
Government Funding On The Rise Along With Venture Capital; Microsoft Tops Patent Holders’ List
AI To Have Maximum Impact On ICT, Automotive, Robotics, And Consumer Electronics Sectors
AI Has A High Disruptive Index; US Has Highest Adoption Levels
Startups Focusing On Sub Segments Like Deep Learning, Machine Learning, And Neural Networks
Key Questions Pertinent To AI Technology
Cognitive Computing
Cognitive Computing Applications Experiencing Exponential Growth
Maximum Funds Coming From Venture Funding; IP Strength Of APAC Countries Growing Consistently
Cognitive Computing To Have Maximum Impact On Healthcare And ICT
23
Table of Contents
Cognitive Computing Has A High Disruptive Index, North America Experiences Major Adoption Trends
Focus Shifting Toward Cognitive Computing For Mobiles
Key Questions Pertinent To Cognitive Computing Technology
Cyber Security
Increasing Concerns Over Protection Of Critical National Infrastructure Is Primarily Driving Growth
Investment And R&D Place North America At The Forefront
Information Technology And Defense Are The Two Major Sectors Leveraging Advanced Cyber Security Technologies At Present
Europe’s R&D Cluster Is Playing A Significant Role In Adoption
Technology Innovation Is The Key Strategy For Market Penetration
Key Questions Pertinent To Cyber Security Technology
24
Table of Contents
Mixed Reality
Business Models Aligned To Meet Challenges In The Industry Will Boost Sales
Venture Funding Primarily Driving Innovations Across The Globe
Gaming, Entertainment, And Education Will Experience Maximum Impact From Mixed Reality
Mixed Reality Will Rapidly Penetrate North American And Asian Countries
Technology Licensing Is The Key Strategy For Expansion In Mixed Reality
Key Questions Pertinent To Mixed Reality Technology
Predictive Analytics
The Predictive Analytics Market Is Growing Steadily And Supporting Business Decision Making
Venture And Government Funding Rising; USPTO Has Granted Maximum Patents In The Last 3 Years
Predictive Analytics Has Maximum Impact On ICT, Retail, And Financial Sectors
Predictive Analytics Has A High Disruptive Index And Adoption Is Increasing Steadily In Emerging Economies
25
Table of Contents
Innovators Focusing More On IoT, Mobile BI, And Retail Applications
Key Questions Pertinent To Predictive Analytics Technology
Software-Defined Anything (SDX)
Software-defined Anything Market Disrupting Computation Hardware Market And Impacting Future Business Models
Partnerships And Funding Driving Industry Growth
Banking & Finance And Retail Will Experience Maximum Benefits
Software-defined Anything Shows Adoption Potential In North America And Asia
Software-defined Anything Revolutionizing The Future Of Standalone Software
Key Questions Pertinent To Sdx
XaaS (Everything-as-a-Service)
Innovative Business Models From Start-ups Boosting Market Potential
North America Is Leading In Technology Development And Initiatives
ICT, Automotive And Healthcare Sectors Are Experiencing Rapid Transformation
26
Table of Contents
Xaas Has A High Disruptive Index, North America Primarily Is Leading In Implementation
Acquisition And Technology Licensing Are Key Strategies For Expansion
Key Questions Pertinent To Xaas Technology
5G
5G Is Developing Rapidly, Disrupting The Mature Wireless Technology Markets
South Korea Leads In IP; High Funding Pouring In From Government And Venture Capitalists
Telecommunication And Information Technology Industry Will Benefit From 5G Implementation
5G Has A High Disruptive Index, Will Transform Industries Globally
5G Service Providers Revolutionizing The Communication Industry
Key Questions Pertinent To 5G Technology
27
Medical Devices and Imaging Technology Cluster - Table of Contents
Unprecedented Funding and Cross-industry Collaborations Spur MedTech Innovations
Optical Coherence Tomography
OCT Imaging Poised for Sustained, Long-term Growth
Ophthalmology Accounts for Bulk of OCT Innovations
Europe Leads the way in Consortia-based Research
OCT Ranks High in Patient-Friendliness, RoI
OCT to Benefit Security, Measurement, and Biometrics
Ageing population and need for portability fuel adoption
Points to Consider Before Making a Strategic Decision
Neuroprosthetics
Neuroprosthetics Gains Where Surgery Fails
US and Australia Lead Neuroprosthetics Innovation
28
Table of Contents
VC, PE Funding Props Up an R&D-Intense Market
Biocompatibility, Miniaturization Key to Neuroprosthetics’ Success
Emerging Markets Will be Key Frontier to Cross In the Long-Term
Visual, Auditory Bionics Companies Overshadow Others
Points to Consider Before Making a Strategic Decision
X-Eluting Stents
XES Capitalizing on the Decline in BMS Market Share
Sustained IP Filing Indicates Vibrant R&D Activity in DES Market
Companies’ Internal R&D Budgets Replace Private Funding in Mature DES Market
3-D Printing and Advanced Manufacturing Set to Revolutionize Stent Market
XES Greatly Benefits from Cross-Industry Collaboration
Emerging markets will play key role in XES growth
Points to Consider Before Making a Strategic Decision
29
Table of Contents
Smart Pills
Smart Pills Have Implications for Imaging, Drug Delivery, and Surgery
Digital Health, Sensors and Imaging Give Unique Flavor to Smart Pills Innovation
Private Funding Compensates for Limited Public Funding
Smart Pills to Disrupt Conventional Imaging Approaches
Capsule Endoscopes Have a Global Innovation Base
Points to Consider Before Making a Strategic Decision
Nuclear Imaging
Nuclear Imaging Outlook Unfazed by Risk Scares
Three Companies Dominate the IP Landscape
Sustained private funding fuels R&D activities
Green Shoots Visible for Nuclear Imaging in Emerging Markets
Small companies thrive despite consolidation
Points to Consider Before Making a Strategic Decision
30
Microelectronics Technology Cluster - Table of Contents
Industry Snapshot
Top Technologies in Microelectronics
OLED Lighting
Cost Reduction of OLED Panel will Open Opportunities for Home Lighting
Cost and Power Consumption Aspects Attract Government Funding
Decorative Lighting will be the First to Capture the Market
Europe is Geared Towards Building a Strong Supply Chain
Companies to Watch Out
Key Strategy Viewpoints for investors
31
Table of Contents
Rapid Charging
Smartphones Segment is Driving the Market
APAC is leading the R&D Activities showcasing interest in Consumer Electronics Segment
Unique Consumer Expectations will drive Smartphone and Automotive Verticals
Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea will Showcase Strong Market Demand
Companies to Watch Out
Key Questions for Strategic Decision Making
Silicon Carbide Electronics
Rapidly Growing Market with high Capabilities and widespread commercial adoption
Government Support will drive innovations and play a key role in setting new standards for power saving
Demand for High Density Power will Drive Transportation and Power Verticals
APAC Strong Research Activities promises better material to improve the efficiency and performance
Companies to Watch
Key Questions for Strategy
32
Table of Contents
Transparent Electronics
Market to Grow Exponentially due to the Advancements in Transparent Displays
APAC Leads in IP filing, Emerging as Key R&D Hub
Retail and Hospitality Sectors to Benefit Most
Pioneering Developments Emerging from the APAC Region
Companies to Watch Out
Key Questions for Strategic Decision Making
Wearables
Market Experiencing Exponential Growth While Disrupting Traditional Industries
Steep Rise in Intellectual Property Filing Confirms R&D Focus
Healthcare and Consumer Electronics Sector to have a High Impact
High Disruptive Capability Transforming Industries Globally
Companies to Watch
Key Questions for Strategy
33
Sensors & Instrumentation Technology Cluster -
Table of Contents
Sensors & Instrumentation Technology Cluster
Trends
Commercial Drones
Regulations Hold the Key For High Market Potential and Emerging Business Models Using Drones
China Emerging as a Hotspot for Drones with Local Companies Strengthening IP Portfolio
Drones to Impact both Consumer and Enterprise Sectors
North America Continues to Lead the Market, China has the Potential for Higher Market Share
Companies to Watch Out
Key Questions For Strategy
Terahertz Sensing
Terahertz Sensing Market to Pick Up Pace in Next 5 Years
Increased Focus on Terahertz Generation and Detection Technologies
Non Destructive Testing and Security Scanning Emerging as Key Applications
Japan and China Emerging as Key Technology Developers
Companies to Watch Out
Key Questions For Strategy
34
Table of Contents
Smart Haptics
Smartphones and Tablets will Drive the Haptics Market
Universities and Corporation Strategic Partnership will help Haptics to evolve for multiple applications
Smart Phones have Proved to be the High-volume Market for Touch Screens in Terms of Unit Shipments
Massive Advancement and Adoption by Consumer Electronics Industry
Universities Spin off with innovative solution is gaining traction in Industry
Key Questions for Strategy
Next Generation RTLS
Market is Fragmented and Growing Rapidly
Investment by Governments will lead to increased awareness and adoption in emerging economies
Technology Innovation and Declining Prices is driving Government and Healthcare Sector
Majority of participants are headquartered in the US and plays crucial role in shaping the industry
Convergence of various technologies will offer high growth opportunities
Key Questions for Strategy
35
Table of Contents
Biosensors
Point of Care and Home Diagnosis Key Segments in the Multi-Billion Dollar Market
Increased R&D Initiatives from Consumer Electronics Majors
Increasing Adoption Potential Beyond Healthcare Applications
APAC Countries Pose Increased Market Opportunity
Companies and University Innovations to Watch Out For
Key Questions for Strategy
1
Wearables
2
Established watchmakers and accessories
developers to target promising wearable
start-ups for M&As. This is primarily to
integrate features of smart
watches/fitness bands into traditional
watches
Market Experiencing Exponential Growth While Disrupting Traditional
Industries
Cumulative Market Size (2016-2020) o Apple Inc, USA
o Samsung Electronics, South Korea
o Xiaomi, China
o Circet, France
o Magic Leap, USA
o Thalmic Labs, USA
The market for wearables technology has witnessed
rapid growth in recent years. There is a healthy mix of
start-ups, and established companies that are aiming to
get a fair share of a multi-billion dollar opportunity.
o Apart from being self-disrupting,*
wearables are going to disrupt
others such as traditional
watchmaking and accessories
markets.
*For instance, smart watches to eat
into fitness trackers
o Prominence of online sales channels
will spur growth of wearables
o Insurance companies to use wearable
data to determine premiums and offer
benefits
o Multi-functional wearables
to become a key success
factor for consumer
applications
o Accuracy and non-
invasiveness are intended
for healthcare applications
o Long battery life and
robustness are critical for
industrial use
Fossil Acquires Misfit
Wearables can
disrupt
Factors Critical for
your Target Industry
Companies to Bet on
Business Models to think of
M&As will be prominent for
growth and survival
3
Steep Rise in Intellectual Property Filing Confirms R&D Focus
VC funding to remain a key
contributor to the emergence of a
fresh host of start-ups
Wearables is a hot area for
government funding. Various EU
projects are underway targeting
diverse applications
Crowdfunding is emerging as a key
source of funding for small startups
that are introducing innovative
wearable products.
Crowdfunding enables startups to
gather initial product feedback and
market interest, and ideally follow
with VC funding.
1997
o Number of patents filed by top patent assignee Samsung Electronics,
o This is closely followed by Apple Inc. (1666) and Nokia (1325).
o Google, Qualcomm, and Intel are also actively pursuing IP in this area.
USA
19762
9097 Top Assignees From the Region:
o Apple Inc
o Google Inc
o Qualcomm Inc
EU
127
577
Top Assignees :
Nokia Corp (Microsoft acquired Nokia’s
devices and services division in 2014)
APA
C Top Assignees :
Samsung Electronics
LG Electronics
Sony Corp. 813
58
Published Granted
211% Growth in the number of patents filed in 2015 as compared to 2013,
marking intense R&D activities in wearables. Patent infringement cases are
also prominent, notably between Jawbone and Fitbit
US $793.5
Million
Series C funding round received by
Magic Leap, USA, in February 2016.
Investors include Alibaba Group,
Google Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Warner
Bros., and others.
Source: Frost & Sullivan/Lens.org
Patents search range: 2012-2015
IP Landscape (2012-2015)
4
Healthcare and Consumer Electronics Sectors to Have a High Impact
o Fitness trackers
o Smart watches
o Smart glasses
o Game/device controllers
o Remote patient
monitoring
o Health monitoring
Healthcare Consumer
Electronics
Sports
o Athletic training
o Health and performance
monitoring
Wearables allow more efficient remote
and continuous monitoring of patients.
Even in healthcare facilities, the use of
wearables will allow patients to have
greater mobility and less discomfort.
Smart watches are expected to be the dominant
platform in consumer electronics. Smart jewelry is
an emerging field where traditional jewelry will
converge with wearable electronics technology
The sports industry is rapidly absorbing
advanced technologies for both training and
monitoring of athletes. Key sports where
wearables are expected to make huge
inroads include golf, swimming, athletics,
cycling, motorsport, and impact sports.
Application-specific Product Development is ensuring final products meet user needs specific to the sector
o Smart watches/glasses for
enhanced driver experience
o Alerts and navigation
o Maintenance assistance
o Military
o Law enforcement
o First responders
Homeland Security Automotive Industrial
o Personnel
safety
o Maintenance
assistance
Wearable technology is expected to play
a pivotal role in future product
development for military, law
enforcement, and first responder
applications. This is primarily due to
health and safety concerns of personnel,
as well as for collecting evidence.
Wearables, especially smart watches, will be a
key accessory promoted by automotive
OEMs. User Interface needs to be highly user-
friendly. Uptake will depend largely on the
reception of initial product launches.
In addition to monitoring
body parameters, wearables
will also be used to monitor
the environment of
personnel. This technology
greatly enhances industrial
safety and is expected to be
adopted extensively in the
medium- to long-term.
Impact Indicator: (2016-2020)
High Medium Low
5
High Disruptive Capability Transforming Industries Globally
Smart is the
New Green
Social Trends:
Gen Y, Middle
Bulge
Connectivity and
Convergence
Bricks and Clicks New Business
Models: Value
for Many
Health, Wellness
and Well Being
Disruptive Index
9/10 TechVision analysis provides a high score to Wearables for its disruptiveness. This signifies that wearable technology is
bringing in ‘Game Changing’ innovation across sectors of economic activity. Wearables are disrupting traditional
watchmaking and jewelry industries as well as monitoring and fitness tracking.
6 Wearables are impacting multiple
megatrends, which is a key factor for the
high rate of adoption of the technology
o North America is leading in
terms of wearable electronics
product shipments and market
revenues.
o Major consumer electronics and
IT companies such as Apple,
Google, Intel, Microsoft, and
Qualcomm have invested heavily
in technology development.
o In Europe, Germany and UK are leading the
wearable electronics market.
o The European wearables market is currently
growing at a lower rate when compared to the
other regions.
o EU funds various collaborative projects
involving academia and industry participants,
exploring next generation technologies and
applications.
o APAC is one of the fastest growing regions in
the adoption of wearable electronics.
o China can be expected to lead the countries in
the Asia Pacific region in the development of
wearable electronics.
o With various consumer electronics OEMs
based out of the Asia Pacific region, such as
Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi; new products
with next generation capabilities can be
expected to be developed in the near term.
Most Lucrative
Market
Considerable
Collaborative
Efforts
Growing Market
and Emergence of
Key Stakeholders
6
Companies to Watch
CICRET, France
Bracelet that includes a Pico
projector and gesture
recognition technology,
allowing users to control a
connected smartphone using a
projected image on the arm.
Magic Leap, USA
Developing a Wearable
Augmented Reality Platform that
will seamlessly mix virtual
content in real-life environment.
The company has been secretive
about its technology but has
attracted multi-billion dollar
funding.
Companies
to Watch
out for
Fitbit, USA
Fitbit is one of the major success
stories for wearables. The
company was founded in 2007,
and in 2015 filed an IPO with
NYSE listing. The company has a
large portfolio of wearable
products targeting fitness
tracking.
Xiaomi, China
Xiaomi has a commanding presence in
the Chinese market and is growing
globally. A major success factor for
Xiaomi’s wearables has been the low
cost, which allows the company to
target first time users.
Thalmic Labs, USA
The company has developed the
Myo armband that monitors
muscle activity to determine hand
gestures. The technology has the
potential to transform the gesture
control market.
Rithmio, USA
Rithmio has developed a gesture
recognition software platform that
includes machine learning. The
technology will allow higher
accuracy in gestures and
movements determination by
wearables. The machine learning
capability facilitates the
understanding of gestures unique
to individuals.
7
Key Questions for Strategy
Key Questions
for Strategy planning
What are the major areas of improvement in the
current generation of wearables? Battery Life– The limited battery life of wearables is a
concern that needs to be addressed to enable
convenience to users. Companies can look to leverage
energy harvesting and wireless charging to address this
issue.
Accuracy of Sensed Data–Sensor data tracking
parameters such as steps taken, workout stats often
provide erroneous results. Efforts should be taken to
reduce error percentage to a minimum.
In what ways wearable as a service
can be leveraged?
o Industrial–For monitoring of personnel
o Sports–Specialized training of athletes
o Office–Training of staff
o BCI headsets for monitoring concentration
o Education
o Determining concentration of students
o Understanding interest areas using brain waves
o Consumer Research
o Focus group studies
o Events
o Using wearables to control drones
o Demonstrations
Should I be concerned about the
disruption potential of wearables?
Traditional watch makers and jewelry manufacturers
face disruption due to wearables in various
proportion.
Smart watches are getting into the product portfolio
of watch makers and jewelry makers are also
exploring integration of electronic technologies. This
is primarily because wearables can be worn as
accessories as well which leads to direct competition
to jewelry.
In-house R&D or technology
acquisition? Both are viable options in the current scenario. A host of
promising start-ups as well as university research are leading
to the development of advanced technologies, which can be
readily acquired by big corporations.
However, in industries that are directly impacted such as
consumer electronics and healthcare, developing proprietary
technologies and strengthening IP allows companies to have
greater flexibility in terms of product or solution
development.