Hyperconnectivity is increasing digital interconnection of people – and things – anytime and anyplace. By 2020 there will be 50 billion networked devices – such connectivity will increasingly be part of our everyday life, from cars we drive, pills we take, clothes we wear and media we consume to how we work and how countries are governed. Data from these devices will increasingly shape our societies and economies and our view of the world. Hyperconnected World is a cross-industry, umbrella platform that connects the dots across industry projects to help us understand and manage social, economic and political consequences of digital technology. 

Rethinking Personal Data 

The trusted, transparent and human-centred use of personal data can have great social and economic value. But the growing volumes of digital information, the lack of institutional capacities and the speed of change have outstripped existing policy frameworks. This initiative focuses on establishing new frameworks, fostering technological innovations and helping individuals to manage their personal data wisely 

The project aims to make the world of personal data more trusted, transparent and user-centred by: 

• Leading dialogue among multiple stakeholders with a view to identifying legal, technical and business solutions. 
• Applying best practice in the areas of disaster preparedness, health and international development. 
• Advancing the aims of the Data-Driven Development Global Agenda Council 

Norms and Values in Digital Media: Shaping Solutions for a New Era 

The way we create, consume and share information has changed dramatically in the digital era – and the rules are still evolving. This project takes a deep look into intellectual property issues in the digital age, engages a broad range of stakeholders and develops a framework of principles that fosters productive dialogue 

The goal is to help major stakeholders – governments, policy-makers, businesses, civil-society groups and innovators – work together to create economic value while developing a vibrant creative community. The project will focus on: 

• Understanding new business models, legal solutions and evolving cultural norms related to intellectual property in a digital context
• Identifying which factors are relevant globally and which are market-specific 
• Carrying out “deep dive” investigations in two pilot markets – UK and Indonesia – with the aim of establishing dedicated task forces 

Risk and Responsibility in a Hyperconnected World 

Information and communication technologies are connecting the world in new ways and on an unprecedented scale. It is something that offers unimagined benefits and unexpected challenges. While the advantages outweigh the risks, the risks need to be managed appropriately. The most pressing issue is cyber security. This project addresses the different ways in which hyperconnectivity will affect our societies and economies. Specific objectives include: 

• Understanding how a lack of cyber security might affect the economy 
• Raising awareness among leaders and promoting action on issues of cyber resilience 
• Providing a roadmap and platform for global collaboration

Connected World: Transforming Travel, Transportation and Supply Chains

The World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group have been working on ways to transform travel and transportation to meet our changing needs and solve key obstructions in today’s systems. 

The project aims to revolutionize travel and transportation by 2025. To achieve this it will:

• Make regional recommendations to policy-makers on how to support the implementation of transport solutions
• Roll out an integrated personal intermodal travel assistant, an automated check-in/security and smart visa system, and an e-logistics solution
• Deliver a proposal to one selected city on how to set up and implement a condition-based megacity traffic management system tailored to the needs of that city

Delivering on Digital Infrastructure

As digital technology becomes a major driver of global wealth creation, there is a growing need for widespread Internet access and high-performance networks. Despite high hopes for digital infrastructure, it faces many challenges, such as a lack of incentives for investment and innovation, conflicting business models and a diverse set of regulatory environments. 

This initiative aims to build a new vision for digital infrastructure by:

• Identifying the key challenges that stakeholders face
• Providing recommendations for policy-makers and industry participants on how to foster investment and innovation, and offer consumers a reliable digital experience

Global Information Technology Report (GITR)

Over the past 10 years, the Global Information Technology Report has become a leading resource for decision-makers and civil society organizations. The report explains how to leverage ICT to increase national competitiveness and network readiness. A series of events will be organized to create an enriched dialogue with governments and explore how technology impacts society at all levels.