Foundational Technologies

IEEE SA Foundational Technologies Global Practice

Through the development of a global community of interested volunteer stakeholders, IEEE SA helps standardize system interoperability and compatibility across all applications of information and communication technologies across the foundational and emerging technology landscape.

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What are Foundational Technologies?

As new technologies develop, they frequently rely on a solid foundation—a secure base built on extensive research, testing, and iteration. The emerging results are game-changing: Quantum Computing, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse, Smart Cities, and more, all continue to shape the technology landscape. Cybersecurity cuts across all future applications and use cases, and as these technologies evolve, so do IEEE SA’s efforts to address sustainability, safety, and ethics.

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Key Areas of Focus

As part of the Foundational Technologies focus, we engage in three key workstreams that address challenges—both present and future—and offer collaborative, cross-industry opportunities.

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Industrial IoT & Smart Manufacturing

Driving Smart Manufacturing through the development of IoT frameworks and technologies for connected, integrated systems while addressing critical issues regarding data security, privacy, identity, and trust.

Consumer Applications

This stream identifies new technologies for the Smart Home, from devices and phones to wearables and embedded sensors, while connecting the unconnected and enabling new markets. As adoption increases in the consumer space, this stream focuses on data ownership/agency, security, safety, and privacy.

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Infrastructure for Emerging Applications

Emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing, AR/VR, Blockchain, and next-generation connectivity protocols will drive future applications and enable new markets. As these technologies evolve, considerations of energy efficiency and sustainability become important factors.