What does "emerging technologies" refer to?

The term "emerging technologies" refers specifically to new technologies that are currently being developed or are expected to become mainstream soon. This encompasses a wide range of advancements in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and renewable energy technologies.

Emerging technologies are characterized by their potential to create significant impacts on society, industry, and government. These technologies often present new capabilities that have not yet been widely adopted or fully understood, which distinguishes them from established or outdated technologies.

Technologies that have been in place for a long time are typically viewed as established rather than emerging, as they have already been integrated into everyday use and are well understood. Similarly, outdated technologies refer to those that have fallen out of use, which are the antithesis of what is considered "emerging." Lastly, technological enhancements made to existing systems improve those systems but do not constitute entirely new technologies; hence they do not fit the definition of emerging technologies as strictly as those that are currently under development or gaining traction.