Emerging technologies

The term Converging Technologies (CT, on German " converging technologies " ) refers to the interdisciplinary, so multidisciplinary, cooperation in the field of nanotechnology, biotechnology, such as information technology and neuroscience ( NBIC ).

The concept of converging technologies was presented in 2001 to the first of a series of innovation policy conferences, organized by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Through the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science ( NBIC ) technologies are to be created through which the individual and social efficiency would be increased enormously. The aim of the optimization is the international competitiveness of the U.S. economy. 2003, the European Commission established an expert group to develop a European approach. While the U.S. strategy seeks to optimize individuals through technical innovation, is the European strategy on realizing the technological potential of converging technologies through social innovation.

The research is, especially in the U.S., driven by both the public sector as well as from the private sector. One focus is on the improvement or restoration of human performance (eg, paraplegia), and generally a qualitative appreciation of all areas of life, on the basis of relevant research results. Since it is thought, among other things about the manipulation of healthy individuals (eg in the military), the objective is certainly provided critical question - the public debate has so far been limited mostly to professionals (see links). However, it is at the desired "improvements" of human body ( functions) to only a range of possible applications.