Digital technology in the form of the Personal Computer and the Internet has already transformed work, education, government, leisure and entertainment, generating new market opportunities and having a major economic impact across a broad range of sectors.
The emergence of new digital infrastructures, including wireless networks, positioning technologies and the Internet of Things, heralds the next radical shift in digital technology as it becomes embedded into the public spaces, architectures, furniture and the personal fabric of our daily lives.
Widespread engagement with, and adoption of handheld computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, games consoles, satellite navigation, embedded sensors along with a host of increasingly interconnected wearable devices, marks a shift towards a world of ‘ubiquitous computing’ that will ultimately see people served by many thousands of computers.
Ubiquitous computing represents a key engine of innovation for our future digital economy. Indeed, it already underpins contemporary visions of the future of energy, transportation and healthcare, and has the potential to transform other sectors including the creative industries, manufacturing and financial services.
Adoption of ubiquitous computing will have a profound effect on the ways in which people work, travel, learn, entertain themselves and socialise.
Researching and understanding how digital technology is designed and used is crucial in ensuring it delivers economic and societal benefit to all.
For more information visit the UK Research and Innovation Digital Economy Research webpages.
Horizon Digital Economy Research, University of
Nottingham Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham,
NG7 2TU
horizon@nottingham.ac.uk
