Photo credit

Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research recently published an Emerging Themes report titled “What if I Told You… Themes, Dreams and Flying Machines,” in which analysts have come up with top trends of the future, beyond what are available in just the headlines today. They came up with seven key themes, as listed here.
1. The Blockchain could disrupt everythingBitcoin may have been on the decline and written off by some, but the underlying technology - a decentralized, cryptography based solution has the potential to redefine transactions in a multitude of different industries - from banking and payments to voting systems, vehicle registrations, academic records, trade settlement, basically just about anything.
2.Space is once again the new frontierSpace launches now cost 11 times less than 5 years ago and satellites cost 100 times less. Without the high barriers to entry, the space economy may undergo an era of creative destruction, and privatization of space will create further commercial opportunities to venture out.
3. College may not be worth itCollege fees have been rising steadily, much more than wages among college graduates. The average return on going to college is falling. US student debt is now more than 1 trillion dollars. However, skilled vacancies in many industries are still high, pointing out to the disconnect between supply and demand. There is a huge potential for disruption to the traditional model of education in universities. Massive open online courses are already picking up rapidly. Companies may even be able to create their own degree programs that they value more.
4. Gen-Z matters more than MillenialsSomeone born in 2005 (Gen-Z) is vastly different from their counterparts born in 1985 (Millenial). Certain traits such as the following, mark how different they are.

  • Gen-Z is America's most diverse to date. Diversity for Gen-Z transcends race, gender and sexual orientation.
  • Everything happens online. Gen-Z is connected at least an hour per day, and half are connected more than 10 hours per day.
  • Financially, Gen-Z is decidedly conservative (besides being more entrepreneurial as well)
  • Social media and crowd funding has provided Gen-Z a vital platform for expression and ascent.
    5. There will be another Flash CrashThe US stock market underwent a flash crash on Aug 24th. The volatility is expected to recur , for a variety of reasons associated with the nature of modern financial markets.
    6. Lithium is the new GasolineDeclining battery costs, rising adoption of electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries will position it to be the key enabler of  the electric car revolution and replace gasoline as transportation fuel.
    7. The Cloud can help cure cancerRapid reduction in cloud storage costs and DNA sequencing technology along with the proliferation of medical records will enable new frontiers in cancer treatment.
    Read the full report here.