What is “Disruptive” Technology?

Today, technology is evolving at an accelerated pace, with increasingly powerful tools at our disposal to address the development challenges countries face and put them on a better path to achieve their SDG targets. Some of these technologies have the power to substantially “disrupt” the status quo of development and help countries leapfrog traditional development paradigms.

The following schematic, video and sections will describe a range of different groups of technologies that are helping disrupt the data value chain, production and operational systems, and stakeholder interaction.

Global progress has been made in basic development indicators, but to ensure basic living standards and environmental sustainability, further intensified efforts are needed. The complexity of addressing poverty and shared prosperity sustainably is amplified by various environmental, social, and economic challenges. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are set to tackle these issues by 2030, necessitating innovative and different approaches to achieve these targets.

Technology has been a key enabler in these efforts, with increasing interconnectedness in technological development between developed and developing countries. This global approach uses resources, ideas, and expertise from around the world, leading to automation of numerous tasks and better organization through computers and mobile devices.

Disruptive technology is revolutionizing development by enabling countries to leapfrog traditional growth stages. Innovations such as AI, blockchain, and renewable energy technologies are accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. These tools streamline resource allocation, improve data transparency, and promote environmental sustainability. However, they also necessitate addressing challenges in data privacy, cybersecurity, and job market shifts.

Development Relevance

Global progress has been made in basic development indicators, but to ensure basic living standards and environmental sustainability, further intensified efforts are needed. The complexity of addressing poverty and shared prosperity sustainably is amplified by various environmental, social, and economic challenges. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are set to tackle these issues by 2030, necessitating innovative and different approaches to achieve these targets.

Technology has been a key enabler in these efforts, with increasing interconnectedness in technological development between developed and developing countries. This global approach uses resources, ideas, and expertise from around the world, leading to automation of numerous tasks and better organization through computers and mobile devices.

Disruptive technology is revolutionizing development by enabling countries to leapfrog traditional growth stages. Innovations such as AI, blockchain, and renewable energy technologies are accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. These tools streamline resource allocation, improve data transparency, and promote environmental sustainability. However, they also necessitate addressing challenges in data privacy, cybersecurity, and job market shifts.

The following sections provide deep dives into types of disruptive technologies in sectors outside of the Blue Economy, but that have relevance to the Blue Economy as well.

“Deep Dives” into Disruptive Tech

This section presents a series of deep dives into examples of disruptive technology in sectors other than the Blue Economy to illustrate for the reader the potential uses of various innovative forms of technology. These various types of disruptive technology can be relevant to the different aspects of the Blue Economy as well. The discussion of disruptive technologies in this section is organized into several buckets: data value chains, production systems and processes, and stakeholder interaction.

Reimagining Data Value Chains

This era has witnessed a surge in innovation in the data value chain; encompassing data collection, transmission, storage, processing, and decision support. The advent of powerful satellites, aerial surveys, in-situ sensors, and surveys has revolutionized data collection. Transmission has been enhanced through advances in telemetry, which includes technologies like Bluetooth , 4G /5G, radio, satellite, among others. Modern cloud services, linked with geospatial data management, machine learning/ artificial intelligence, and other modeling approaches, are central to data storage and processing. To generate user-friendly insights, the processed data is made available through online services that create interactive dashboards, apps, and decision support tools. The efficiency of these data ecosystems is further improved by fostering collaboration and integration among data producers, users, and analysts. Moreover, adhering to ethical principles and ensuring data privacy and security contribute to mitigating risks associated with data breaches, misuse, and bias.

The collection of data is facilitated using free and commercial satellites and other sources such as drones, underwater vehicles, and buoys for earth observation and in-situ observations. The increasing use of Data as a Service approach by private sector firms has made high-resolution satellite images and proprietary algorithms on free data available as subscription services for users. Furthermore, citizen science has been embraced with scientists creating apps to harness the ubiquity of smartphones for data collection. The integration of this collected data and the creation of value-added products from raw data is the next critical step. The recent advancements in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, coupled with the shift from traditional desktop analytics to online cloud-based systems, have brought about a marked transformation in data analytics. Platforms that convert static datasets into online data services allow for powerful analytics and interactive visualizations that can be accessed on multiple digital devices. Google Earth Engine is an exemplar of such a platform providing access to multiple repositories of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets for quick analysis and visualization. Visualization and E-packaging for user interaction have also seen significant improvement, with a range of tools available to create interactive online dashboards (see Annex for BlueTech Data Dashboard and BlueTech Knowledge Explorer ). Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI that has become very popular after the introduction of ChatGPT, offers many possibilities for addressing data gaps, generating insights from data and documents, and eventually offering options for an interactive BlueTech ChatBot to provide on-demand knowledge services customized to various users.

Reimagining Production Systems and Processes

There are several disruptive technologies that are revolutionizing production and operational processes in various sectors. Innovations such as 3D printing, robotics, process automation, SCADA systems, autonomous transport, and advanced materials have far-reaching applications, including in biotech, nanotech, genomics, energy technologies, and construction systems. Specifically, in the realm of BlueTech, these technologies enable remarkable possibilities. Such as, 3D printing aids in regenerating coral reefs and constructing low-cost housing for sensors. The proliferation of earth observation sensors and drones allows for the creation of “digital twins” of coastal and ocean infrastructure and enhanced data collection, which informs on aspects ranging from water quality to fish stock assessments. Innovations in autonomous transport, like driverless cars, are being extended to water with autonomous ships, revolutionizing maritime transport by reducing emissions and improving ship design and propulsion systems.

These technological advancements are critical in redefining operational processes within the Blue Economy. In the shipping sector, smart shipping solutions employing artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics optimize routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Blockchain technology is augmenting transparency and traceability in supply chains. In the aquaculture sector, digital technology is providing real-time monitoring and data analytics, enhancing efficiency and sustainability by aiding in optimal feeding, waste reduction, and prevention of fish disease outbreaks. Innovations in marine conservation and tourism are aiding in monitoring coral reefs, endangered species, and identification of areas at risk. Additional advancements include hybrid ship propulsion systems, ballast water treatment systems, and anti-fouling technology to mitigate marine life damage. These technologies, alongside machine learning and predictive analytics, aim to prevent port congestion and operational inefficiencies. Finally, in oceanic sectors, the use of new materials for next-generation rotor blades, predictive maintenance, energy storage integration, and augmented reality for spatial planning are seen as game-changers.

Reimagining Stakeholder Interaction

Stakeholder interaction is experiencing a significant shift with the advent of diverse digital platforms, ranging from multimedia outreach and social media to more intricate platforms fostering stakeholder interaction. Innovations such as systems for fishermen to access weather forecasts and markets, fintech solutions, e-learning, and blockchain-based systems are becoming instrumental in operations such as mangrove plantations, as demonstrated in the Ayeyarwady delta in Myanmar.

Moreover, institutions globally are harnessing the collective wisdom of the crowd, particularly the youth, as a valuable resource. Numerous competitions, including hackathons, data jams, appathons, blogathons, and various innovation challenges, are being held worldwide to address pressing Blue Economy issues. Internships in BlueTech at varying scales - provincial, national, or regional - are proving beneficial in tapping into the potential and enthusiasm of emerging professionals, simultaneously fostering a more developmentally aware generation. These initiatives not only nurture and recognize innovation, but they also facilitate partnerships within and across countries in the rapidly evolving global landscape.

Many of the technologies described here can be applied to the Blue Economy as described in the next section.