Spotlight on top emerging technologies Since 2011, the Top 10 Emerging Technologies report has been a critical resource for professionals seeking strategic intelligence on innovations poised to shape societies and economies in the next three to five years.12 By spotlighting breakthrough technologies at their inflection points, the report catalyses forward-looking dialogues and supports decision- makers in navigating technological transformations that strengthen society’s capacity to adapt and thrive. Drawing on insights from leading scientists, researchers and futurists, the report highlights key technological advancements with the potential for significant, long- term societal and economic impact. This rigorous, multi- phase selection process ensures a comprehensive and objective assessment of each technology’s readiness and transformative potential. In 2025, more than 250 valid technology nominations were submitted by experts across industry and academia. To screen these submissions, the AI Trend Analyzer – developed by Frontiers – was employed to classify and cluster nominations based on trending topics identified through academic research. Each technology was evaluated using the World Economic Forum’s Resilience Consortium’s framework for sustainable inclusive growth, focusing on their potential to address systemic challenges and contribute to building adaptive capacity for future generations.The shortlist of 20 technologies was then assessed by a steering group of world-leading experts from a diversity of fields and regions, who applied the following selection criteria: –Novelty: Early adoption is emerging, but widespread use is not yet achieved –Impact: Potential for significant societal and economic benefit –Depth: Developed across multiple entities, with broad and sustained interest Since its inception in 2011, the Top 10 Emerging Technologies report has identified lesser-known innovations that have gone on to make a global impact. For example, CRISPR-Cas9, featured in 2015, revolutionized genetic engineering and later became Nobel Prize-winning science. It is now being used to develop insect- and drought-resistant crops in some of the world’s harshest growing conditions. In 2017, mRNA technology was spotlighted, and it became the foundation for the COVID-19 vaccines, protecting millions globally. Additionally, AI-led molecular design, which made the list in 2018, led to DeepMind’s AlphaFold predicting the structure of 200 million proteins, and the first AI-discovered drugs have since entered clinical trials. Shaping Tomorrow: Responsible Innovation for a Brighter Future 7

Shaping Tomorrow Responsible Innovation for a Brighter Future 2025