Brief
IEEE Report Forecasts AI-Driven Tech Transformations by 2028
The 2030 report, authored by 166 experts, highlights AI as the connective tissue behind 30 breakthrough technologies.
By Felo News Desk · Published
IEEE’s newly released 2030 Technology Megatrends Report predicts that by 2028 artificial intelligence will be embedded in genetic engineering, energy systems and space technologies, reshaping everyday life, the outlet Spectrum reported on 7 October 2026.
What happened
The report, compiled by 166 experts from 38 countries, identified 30 breakthrough technologies across five megatrends—AI, energy, health, space and physical AI. It grades each trend on likelihood of success, impact, maturity, market adoption and horizon to adoption. AI is described as the common thread that links the megatrends, turning the technology into a general‑purpose infrastructure.
What the report adds
According to Spectrum, the report notes that AI’s rapid advance outpaces previous revolutions such as the industrial, electrical and digital eras. It also flags constraints on scaling AI, including insufficient computing infrastructure and energy supplies. The document stresses that successful deployment will require reshaping the workforce and addressing trust, security, explainability and policy issues.
What was said
IEEE Fellow Dejan Milojicic, chair of the IEEE Future Directions Committee’s Industry Advisory Board, told Spectrum, “We are seeing a fundamental shift in how technology evolves. Artificial intelligence is no longer operating in a vacuum; it is now deeply connected to our energy, infrastructure, and physical systems.” Milojicic, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Fellow and vice‑president at HPE Labs, added that businesses must decide when and how to apply AI rather than adopting an all‑or‑nothing approach.
IEEE president and CEO Mary Ellen Randall said in a news release, “This report shifts the conversation to something far more important: how these advances will intersect with one another to shape human lives. The data makes clear that trust, safety, and human connection must guide every major breakthrough.”
How it came about
The megatrends framework builds on IEEE’s long‑standing practice of forecasting technology trajectories. Earlier this year IEEE announced the 2027 Technical Field Award winners, underscoring the organization’s focus on emerging fields such as biomedical engineering and signal processing. The 2030 report continues that effort by gathering input from industry, academia and government to map the next decade of innovation.
Key facts
- The IEEE 2030 Technology Megatrends Report identifies 30 breakthrough technologies across five megatrends. (spectrum.ieee.org)
- AI is described as the connective infrastructure linking all five megatrends. (spectrum.ieee.org)
- The report warns that scaling AI will be limited by computing infrastructure and energy sources. (spectrum.ieee.org)
- 166 experts from 38 countries contributed to the report. (spectrum.ieee.org)
- IEEE Fellow Dejan Milojicic said AI is now deeply connected to energy, infrastructure and physical systems. (spectrum.ieee.org)
Timeline
- 2026-10-07 — IEEE releases 2030 Technology Megatrends Report
- 2028-01-01 — Projected widespread use of AI‑enabled genetic engineering and gene therapy
- 2026-09-30 — IEEE announces 2027 Technical Field Award recipients
Sources
- [1] spectrum.ieee.org — originally reported as “IEEE Report Predicts Tech That Will Transform Lives”
