Horizons newsletter – Week 31 // 2017
Horizons is a bi-monthly Dasym Research initiative to show you how the Dasym themes have been in the news. We publish the Horizons on our website and as an email newsletter. If you wish to receive the email, please contact Investor Relations.
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Leapfrogging in Healthcare
Alibaba Health recently announced an artificial intelligence service for disease diagnosis. In Kenya, a healthcare wallet has been built on top of the M-Pesa mobile payments platform, and in South Africa, health insurers are experimenting with new business models. According to research by Frost & Sullivan, AI has the potential to improve the outcome of medical treatments by 30-40% and decrease costs by as much as 50%. Three trends drive the application of eHealth solutions specifically in emerging markets. First of all, these countries are unhindered by legacy systems and legislation that hinder the adoption of innovative methods. Secondly, because these countries often have young demographics, the trust in technology and willingness to experiment is high. Finally, emerging markets are forced to innovate: Although much poorer than developed markets, they are already experiencing the same effects of ageing and lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and coronary problems. The concept of ‘leapfrogging’ is often used to refer to mobile telephony and banking, but in the future it could refer to eHealth as emerging markets lead the way in innovation.
Changing Computing
This month, a team of scientists announced the results of their first experiments into the first ever outer space quantum teleportation. The photon was sent through a process called “quantum entanglement”: a situation in which particles are dependent on the state of other particles. It is a spooky concept because it defies our common intuition: how can two particles be somehow connected while being physically apart? But transferring entangled quantum states over significant distances is a fundamental aspect of quantum networks and quantum communications, which in turn will enhance quantum computing. As we have written previously, quantum computing radically changes the way we think about computations in general and how computers will operate. The incomparable computing power of quantum computers will be disruptive for almost everything: from financial services to material design, from cyber security to warfare or even space exploration missions. That is why reaching “quantum supremacy” – performing certain calculations traditional computers cannot do – will mark the start of a next Industrial revolution.
Off-the-edge experiences
People go to theme parks to get a superb experience they can’t get at home. Increasingly these parks are turning to technology to create immersive experiences, often using virtual reality. Seaworld, for instance, upgraded its 17-year old Kraken roller coaster this summer and Six Flags is adding VR to both roller coasters and drop towers. VR rides, however, only allow a short escape from reality. Moreover, the goggles turn it into a more individual experience, while most people visit theme parks to experience things together. To create a collective and immersive experience that lasts for an entire stay instead of a short ride, Disney plans to build a whole new world where people can stay overnight. Its upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will look like a massive starship, where guests wear Star Wars costumes, interact with Star Wars creatures and – during their stay – become immersed in a Star Wars story that unfolds around them. As individuals spend more and more time in digital and virtual worlds, they place more value in real, immersive and collective experiences.
