What are the most relevant and exciting trends for 2022? In this article, I address my fascination with technological developments, as well as geopolitics.

These are the trends of 2022:

  • Brain Computer Interfaces;
  • Human Augmentation;
  • Tensions between China and the United States;
  • Synthetic biology;
  • Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (with blockchain).

You can leave a comment at the bottom of this article if you have a question or comment.

If you would like to hire me for a lecture or presentation on this topic, please contact me. Or check out the Trends 2040 page first for more information, examples and references.

Brain Computer Interfaces

With headbands or brain chips, we can read and analyze brain signals. Initially for patients with neurological disorders, but later also for healthy people to improve themselves?

Human Augmentation

How are companies using technology to support their employees in their work? Think of brain computer interfaces to control machines and robots (see the previous trend), but also exoskeletons and the increasing use of artificial intelligence. This is also known as Human augmentation.

My video explaining human augmentation.

China and United States

The growing tensions between the United States and China when it comes to artificial intelligence, biotechnology and (military) technology. Cultural, economic and political factors influence scientific research, technological developments and innovation.

For example, the Chinese government played a role in the world’s first genetically modified children, Chinese babies Lulu and Nana. This emerged in Eben Kirksey’s book The Mutant Project. Watch my conversation with him here:

My interview with Eben Kirksey.

Synthetic biology

The era of synthetic biology is dawning. Scientists and companies are increasingly able to make artificial genes, cells and proteins themselves. Expectations are high: from a better food supply to biodegradable clothing and chemical substitution.

Yet the misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines (and the discussions surrounding genetically modified crops) shows that acceptance of such fascinating applications can falter.

Decentralized autonomous organizations

DAOs, decentralized autonomous organizations, which some believe have the potential to set up organizations and other collaborations in a better way. With more rights and benefits for employees and the community.

Think of it like Uber, but with all the drivers as employees as well as shareholders. Or Facebook, where you are not only a user, but can also vote on the rules on the platform.

Only then the feeling creeps up on me: with the rise of the Internet or social media platforms, these kinds of hopeful stories were also prevalent. Shall we do better now? Or does it remain difficult for us as humans to break free from capitalism and its tendency to compete with each other?

PS. If you would like to hire me for a lecture or presentation on this topic, please contact me. Or check out the Trends 2040 page first for more information, examples and references.