Technology's Promise

WILLIAM E. HALAL is Professor of Science, Technology& Innovation at George Washington University, USA. An authority on emerging technology, strategic planning, knowledge and institutional change, he has worked with General Motors, SAIC, MCI, and various companies and government agencies. Halal's work has appeared in journals and popular media, and he has published five books. Halal is the founder of TechCast, the virtual think-tank forecasting the Technology Revolution. He co-founded the Institute for Knowledge& innovation.

'William Halal's TechCast Project is a powerful system for identifying changes in technology so that decision-makers in business, government, and other institutions can prepare for the enormous changes ahead. There may be no better way to prepare than by equipping yourself with Bill's latest book. Technology's Promise is readable, authoritative, optimistic, and exciting.' Edward Cornish, Founder, World Future Society, Washington DC and author of Futuring 'You must understand the technology revolution to understand the future. Halal gives you a readable passport to this new world.' Richard D. Lamm, Director, Public Policy& Contemporary Issues, University of Colorado, Former Governor of Colorado, Denver 'A dazzling tour of a broad range of hopeful technologies. The authoritative forecasts of the TechCast Panel and Bill Halal's skillful synthesis and scenarios make this a must for any futurist, planner, or organization leader; indeed, for anyone interested in the emerging shape of the early 21st Century. No other book comes anywhere close' Michael Marien, Editor, Future Survey, Syracuse, New York 'Technology's Promise is a most daring, dazzling and defining book of our time. Based on a highly innovative project, the book lifts forecasting to the next level and provides brilliantly authoritative scenarios that can help you tap the staggering opportunities of the upcoming technological breakthroughs. Written passionately with incredible clarity and convincing evidence, it dispels the current despair and provides hope for humanity's future. A must for all decision makers in business, government, civil society and individuals who wish to succeed in this tumultuous world.' Dr. Madhav Mehra, President, World Council for Corporate Governance, London 'Probably the best, readable, tour of the technology-driven new world order.' - Long Range Planning

• Origins: Discovering the Forces of Transformation Introduction: Guiding Technology's Promise PART I: FORECASTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION Transition to a Sustainable World: Converting the Energy& Environment Mess into an Opportunity Globalization Goes High-Tech: A Worrisome World of Abundance Society Moves Online: The Transforming Power of Information Technology& E-Commerce Mastery Over Life: Promises and Perils of Biogenetics   Faster and Farther: Building the Global Transportation System The Final Frontier: Preludes to Deep Space Travel  PART II SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION Shifting Structures of Society: Business, Government, and other Institutions in a Knowledge Age An Age of Consciousness: The Next Phase in Technology's Promise?  Scenarios: A Virtual Trip Through Time The TechCast Expert Panel