A smart world is a connected world. And the time is fast approaching

when ubiquitous connectivity will springboard the most advanced nations into

the stage of Augmented Innovation – a time when the combined capabilities of

machines and humans will create amazing gains in productivity that neither can

achieve alone.

Complete data sets and the ability to action this data wil l have an

unprecedented effect on life. As devices increasingly serve as gateways to

massive cloud computing power, innovation will be within the reach of all.

No one will be excluded, because everyone will be connected.

Five technology enablers are the key to unlocking the door to this hyper-

connected stage of Augmented Innovation: broadband, data centers, cloud

services, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

These tech enablers will not only forge a better world in their own right,

they will also work in concert to provide the bedrock for artificial intelligence (AI)

to flourish and impact every aspect of life.

AI is already everywhere – in our hands as mobile assistants; before our

eyes as machine-written news; in our cars as driver assistance functions; and in

our banks, protecting our finances. The list goes on.

Advances in computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning,

and robotics are as fascinating as they are far-reaching, each promising

spectacular applications in real life, from advanced virtual assistants and

driverless cars to mind-controlled prosthetic limbs and individualized, data-

driven health and education programs.

However, to avoid another cycle of excitement and disappointment that

has previously led us into two AI winters, we must approach AI with a clear and

realistic mindset that recognizes how complex it actually is.

AI must be designed for practical application that’s human-facing and makes

life better. It must be developed in a collaborative and open environment where

robustness is built in, not bolted on, and where forethought ensures responsible

application with the betterment of humanity at the core.

The interplay of Augmented Innovation and AI will be seen in connected cities

that are safe and smart, and it will equip every vertical with the tools to thrive

in the digital age and deliver truly personal services for markets of one.

Connectivity is at the heart of Augmented Innovation. Augmented Innovation

– the mix of data-driven machine intel ligence and insight-driven human

intelligence – will transport us into a Better Connected World.

Augmented Innovation: A new dawn of creativity and productivity

Sally Gao, Editor-in-Chief