US-based multinational conglomerate 3M has launched a new platform that examines five global science and technology trends, providing commentary and perspectives from 3M scientists, engineers and designers from 11 countries.
The 3M Futures Survey, which is designed to reveal global perceptions of future technologies, features results from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the UK, the USA and South Korea.It provides a snapshot of the areas of innovation that the expert contributors chosen to participate – who include an array of 3M scientists, engineers, designers and other leaders – believe should be the focus of future work, as well the ways in which they have or haven’t directly interacted with the technologies referenced across the five core trends.
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The topics for 2022 are: augmented reality and virtual reality; artificial intelligence; sustainable materials and the circular economy; the new paradigm – a pandemic-aware world; and equity through science and technology.
Following its launch, 3M Futures will be continually updated with ongoing stories and virtual-reality demonstrations. Insights from the survey will inform the exploration of future topics and content.
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‘Every day, 3Mers around the world are unlocking the next phase of what’s possible and exploring the latest trends in science and technology,’ said Kevin Gilboe, head of 3M Design, International. ‘3M Futures is a great opportunity for us to showcase the broad ways [in which] 3M is helping to shape the future – developing, designing and engineering cutting-edge solutions within the most relevant global trends, while profiling the incredible talent across our company, who are experts in their fields.’
The full 3M Futures survey data, including breakdowns by country and in infographic form, can be found at the 3M Futures Resource Center.