(Yicai) June 25 -- The widening use of artificial intelligence for scientific discovery is one of the top 10 emerging technologies poised to significantly influence societies and economies in the next three to five years, according to a new World Economic Forum report.

While AI has been used in research for many years, recent advances in deep learning, generative AI and foundation models have been transformative, said the report that the WEF released at the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, which opened today in Dalian in China’s Liaoning province.

Scientists are developing large language models to produce scientific literature and are working with AI chatbots to brainstorm new hypotheses. AI models are capable of analyzing vast amounts of scientific data, and using deep learning to make new discoveries. Scientists predict that general-purpose AI will transform every part of the scientific discovery process over the next few years, the report said.

Another key emerging technology is smart mirrors, or reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, which use metamaterials, smart algorithms and advanced signal processing to turn ordinary walls and surfaces into smart components for wireless communication. Global demand for higher data rates, lower latency, and energy-efficient connectivity is set to drive further development of this sector, the report noted. 

Several companies are already ploughing investments into RIS, including Germany’s Rhode & Schwarz, South Korea’s Samsung, US-based Intel, as well as China’s Huawei Technologies and ZTE. This indicates that the technology will be central to the telecoms landscape in the coming years, according to the report.

Other game changers include privacy-enhancing technologies, high altitude platform stations for enhancing internet connectivity, gene-editing technology for transplants, and new ways of addressing climate change, such as elastocaloric materials, carbon-capturing microbes, and alternative livestock feeds.

The WEF has published its Top 10 Emerging Technologies report since 2011, as a source of strategic intelligence for professionals. This year’s edition received over 300 technology nominations from 29 countries, and the steering group selected the final 10 based on the criteria of novelty, applicability, depth and power.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Tom Litting