Disruptive Technologies
Technological developments are fast changing how we live. It is imperative that we anticipate how investments may be affected, positively or negatively.
In the next few years, some companies will go out of business as their technology becomes obsolete. Others will survive by adopting and adapting new technologies. But even for those companies at the forefront of technological change, investment success is not guaranteed.
It will be necessary to avoid the hype and invest in the companies that can make money from the new technology.
Read our report How soon is now? The investment impact of disruptive technologies
What else is left for disruption: how technology will rule economies
It is claimed that technology is changing the world at an unprecedented pace. Our disruptive technology seminar, addressing the social, economic and investment implications of these changes, took place at the Soho Hotel on Thursday 2 November.
Read time: 2 mins
Taking off: our new industries
Britain’s innovative culture has often been characterised by undue modesty. Not least in the face of Brexit, is it now time for the UK to abandon its innate reserve and self-effacing rhetoric? In making the case for a more confident and vocal approach, we look at four areas in which British ingenuity and enterprise are not only leading but changing the world.
Read time: 9 mins
How soon is now? The investment impact of disruptive technologies
Read time: 2 mins
The opportunities and challenges of disruptive technologies
In June 2014, we held an in-house investment conference on disruptive technologies. With insight from external speakers from technology companies, investment strategists and specialist fund managers, we considered how technology will change how we live and how these changes might affect investors. It was a fascinating day.
Read time: 9 mins
Personalised medicine: coming soon to a clinic near you
Personalised medicine will disrupt every part of the healthcare sector, from R&D and clinical trials, through diagnostic testing to regulation and healthcare provision (whether insurance-based or through national systems, such as the NHS). This will be driven by economics and improved medical outcomes. A key challenge will be the storage and analysis of huge quantities of patient data.
Read time: 13 mins
Automation: If the machines aren't coming for your jobs, are they coming for your investment returns?
Despite alarmist media reports, the risk to most jobs from automation is low for the foreseeable future — we tend to an optimistic view of mankind’s ability to respond to technological disruption. Nonetheless, certain segments of mid-skill workers may be vulnerable and politicians will need to address the impact on standards of living.
Read time: 18 mins
Charging forward: how the revolution in battery technology could transform our world
Through advances in battery storage technology, we are on the cusp of major changes for electric vehicles and alternative energy. These are likely to be disruptive to utilities — with the ability for homes to go ‘off grid’ — and car manufacturers. Less reliance on fossil fuel consumption could have significant geopolitical implications.
Read time: 14 mins
Blockchain: the internet of value
Blockchain offers an alternative to many record-based transactions, from money transfers and asset custody to ‘know your client’ checks, healthcare records and music downloading. It would release huge cost savings and create additional value, but could negatively impact employment levels. Otherwise, transaction times are likely to be reduced.
Read time: 13 mins
Bring me sunshine
Last year, for the first time ever in the UK, solar power generated more electricity than coal over the course of a month. In tandem, major advances in battery technology are delivering unprecedented energy-storage capabilities. Are we on the verge of a truly “disruptive” breakthrough? And, if so, who are the winners and losers likely to be?
Read time: 9 mins
The green revolution is driving towards an electric future
Electric vehicles (EVs) have existed since the 19th century, but have been most prevalent in niche applications such as mobility scooters and forklifts.
Read time: 3 mins