The Economist has published a fascinating book, Megatech, edited by Daniel Franklin. No single person could produce this book – the technologies and economics of it all are too complex and to specialized. So Mr. Franklin gathered some of the world’s leading technologists and thinkers to describe the technologies in the labs and the trends that are already in play as they lead to 2050. Among the topics are artificial intelligence, biotechnology, superconductors, robotics, optics, farming, health care, and the nature of innovation itself. The article on Moore’s Law, which has guided the expectations of computer innovation for decades has a very good discussion about its future applicability.

Can’t read the book? Listen to an Economist podcast or one with organization guru Jacob Morgan or watch Franklin’s interview at the World Affairs Council.

Megatech is a very worthwhile read.