An interesting list compiled by Wharton profs, for Nightly Business Report. While such things are dime a dozen, somewhat surprising Indian media shies away from such listings. This may not be newsworthy, but definitely of reader interest.
While some of these innovations are fairly mainstream now, like internet, or laptops or mobile phones, and ATMs, some of the innovations listed here are still facing consumer resistance to large scale adoption. For ex, e-commerce has a long way to do (No 15). Some others have still some way to go in terms of technological advancement – like solar PV cells. A more interesting list would be top 10 consumer habits likely to change from these innovations. Like will we stop going to malls/physical retail? With commuting costs rising rapidly in recent years, and need to reduce carbon use, e-shopping, or even tele-commutining may be some fundamental changes we may see within the next few years.
1. Internet, broadband, WWW (browser and html)
2. PC/laptop computers
3. Mobile phones
4. E-mail
5. DNA testing and sequencing/Human genome mapping
6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
7. Microprocessors
8. Fiber optics
9. Office software (spreadsheets, word processors)
10. Non-invasive laser/robotic surgery (laparoscopy)
11. Open source software and services (e.g., Linux, Wikipedia)
12. Light emitting diodes
13. Liquid crystal display (LCD)
14. GPS systems
15. Online shopping/ecommerce/auctions (e.g., eBay)
16.Media file compression (jpeg, mpeg, mp3)
17.Microfinance
18. Photovoltaic Solar Energy
19. Large scale wind turbines
20. Social networking via the Internet
21. Graphic user interface (GUI)
22. Digital photography/videography
23. RFID and applications (e.g., EZ Pass)
24. Genetically modified plants
25. Bio fuels
26. Bar codes and scanners
27. ATMs
28. Stents
29. SRAM flash memory
30. Anti retroviral treatment for AIDS
