Articles

Selection of 10 Emerging Technologies in 2017: Pollution & Contamination Response Technologies for Sustainable Development of Korea

Jonghwa Park, Yoon A Kim and Seung Ryong Lee

Abstract

In 2017, KISTEP selected 10 emerging technologies, based on the issue of ‘Environmental Pollution in Daily Life’. The issue of ?Environmental Pollution in Daily Life? was subdivided into 10 pollutants for further study, and detailed research was conducted to identify public needs through literature review, social data analysis, public polls, and review by specialists. Candidate emerging technologies were identified based on the database of future technologies, news clippings, and the recommendations by specialists. The final list of 10 emerging technologies were selected from the candidate pool through priority assessment by specialists and researchers, followed by social and economic impact assessment. The selection for this year was focused on emerging technologies to counter environmental pollution in daily life, and support Korea’s sustainable development. Environmental pollution has been intensified by past government policies prioritizing economic growth over environment. Damage from sensory and information pollution, which were not recognized as pollution in the past, has been increasing. Selection of public goods-related technologies as emerging technologies is expected to have significant implications.