Trend Category

Technology

Digitalization and automation are manifesting in how and where people live, work, and play, changing how we build and manage our cities and communities.

Trends to Act on Now

AI-Generated Misinformation

The rapid proliferation of generative AI content online is fueling the spread of misinformation.

Transition from 5G to 6G

6G is expected to begin distribution in 2030, further increasing internet speeds and expanding connectivity.

Smart Cities

Smart city projects are on the rise, signaling a need for planners to stay informed and lead the way on...

Public-Sector AI Use

AI is becoming increasingly integrated into government sectors, potentially improving and reshaping the way public services are rendered and perceived.

Green Data Centers

As digital emissions rise, the push for net-zero-energy data centers is driving innovation in cooling and energy efficiency.

Generative AI

Generative AI is rapidly expanding across multiple sectors, enabling content creation in various formats, though concerns are also growing about...

Digital Twins

Virtual recreations of a space that incorporate real-time data are an emerging tool for planners.

Digital Public Spaces

Metaverse and virtual reality platforms are allowing users to engage in traditionally in-person experiences, from learning to shopping to entertainment,...

Digitalization

The growing digitalization of all sectors, including planning, introduces vulnerability to the loss of digital data.

Digital Divide

The digital divide and resulting disparate access to information and services can be overcome by increasing access to high-speed internet...

Copyright Claims Against AI

A growing number of lawsuits allege that AI companies have used online content without permission.

Building Digital Trust

As governments digitalize services and invest in smart technologies, low digital trust remains a challenge.

AI Regulations

While other countries have developed AI regulations to balance innovation and ethics, in the U.S., cities and states are taking...

Trends to Prepare For

Virtual Reality

The use of virtual reality (VR) is expanding for daily activities, mental health, and planning, requiring interdisciplinary expertise for effective...

Robo-Coworkers

Robots are taking on an increasing number of roles in our communities, from delivery and caregiving to public services and...

International AI Race

Though much AI development thus far has occurred in the U.S., countries around the world are racing to catch up...

Human Authentication and Data Protection

As AI-generated deepfake content becomes more widespread, new needs have emerged to verify human identity and protect human data.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is rebounding after a "crypto winter," prompting stricter global regulations while raising concerns.

Cities in the Metaverse

Despite fading hype, the metaverse continues to develop, with cities worldwide investing in its infrastructure for planning and economic growth.

Blockchain

Blockchain holds potential as a tool for record management, community engagement, transportation, and transparent governance.

AI Wearables

As more people seek to limit screen time on their devices, tech companies are working to develop wearable screenless devices...

AI-Robotics Integration

The integration of AI into the robotics sector is accelerating the capabilities of robots to learn and respond to their...

AI and Decision-Makers

From elected officials to CEOs, AI appears poised to take on a greater role in decision-making in a wide range...

Trends to Learn About and Watch

Tech-Enabled Personalized Health Care

Advancements in technology are allowing for increasingly personalized approaches to health care.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is an emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize cryptography, AI, and complex system simulations.

Innovations in Material Sciences

Researchers are moving beyond 3D printing to explore a wide range of innovative materials that could transform the traditional design...

Innovations in Food Delivery and Dining

Recent years have seen technical advancements accelerating changes in how people get their food and what foods they eat.

Hardwiring People for Space

Scientists have proposed editing human genes to make people better adapted to life in space.

CRISPR

CRISPR is a powerful genome editing technique that could transform a variety of fields, though its use poses significant ethical...

Trend Reports

APA's foresight research is made possible in part through our partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

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