Futuring
Tech Trends report
The SURF Tech Trends report is a biannual report for members within our education and research cooperative. It provides an overview of the most relevant technologies and helps our cooperative organisation navigate the complexity of technological developments.
A lot is happening in the field of education and research and new reports and insights are constantly appearing. This is precisely why it is important to collect, organise and analyse which developments will help determine the future of education and research. Think of technological themes such as AI, XR and quantum.
The Tech Trends report provides guidance in a rapidly changing world. It helps to better understand technological developments, puts them in perspective and offers inspiration for the future. From a technology perspective, we present an overview of relevant signals and trends, supported by examples showing how these innovations are developing and what impact they can have on education and research. After the publication of the SURF Tech Trends report in 2023, we have now started preparations for a new edition together with experts.
Tech Trends report 2025 - 2026
Development
The creation of the trends report is about collaborating with other experts on a technology chapter, identifying relevant trends and assessing their impact. This process includes activities such as reading, writing and attending sessions for information gathering. An important part of the project is the kick-off, where experts meet and brainstorm together on a collective approach according to the report format, and to make process agreements. In cooperation with professionals from various Dutch research and educational institutions, a group of up to five experts will be formed.
Progress Tech Trends report 2025-2026
The Tech Trends report 2025-2026 was kicked off in early October 2024. Over 60 experts from SURF cooperative institutions will work in teams in the coming months on the various chapters of the biennial report. Read more about how how the report will be developed and which chapters will be worked on.
The Tech Trends report by chapter
Read the introduction and all chapters about tech trends.
Read all about the trends in Artificial Intelligence
- Moving towards 'Franken models'
- More efficient approach to AI systems
- New ways to access data
- Towards reliable AI
- More accessible computing and models
Read all about trends in Edge
- Cloud-edge continuum
- Digital twins
- Actual real-time data streams
- Run code anywhere
- Robotics-driven automation
Read all about trends in Advanced Computing
- Computing continuum
- Energy sustainability in digital infrastructures
- Protecting sovereignty in digital infrastructures
- Unconventional paradigms for computing
- High-end computing in high-value research areas
Read all about trends in Network
- Big Tech and networks
- Intelligent networks
- Edge and campus architecture
- Next-generation networks
Read all about trends in Quantum
- Quantum key distribution (QKD) gains momentum
- Quantum computing in the cloud
- Hybrid quantum/classical computing
- Error correction techniques
- Quantum curiosity
Read all about the trends in XR
- Enriching XR by combining technologies
- Augmented virtual social interactions
- New equipment for new realities
- An increasing number of ethical concerns
- A fragmented ecosystem
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Keep up to date with SURF's futuring activities. We will inform you quarterly about developments around new technologies and project progress.