Convergence of knowledge and technology for the benefit of society (CKTS) is the core opportunity for progress in the 21st century. This study suggests a general process to advance creativity, innovation, and societal progress based on five principles: (1) the interdependence of all components of nature and society, (2) enhancement of creativity and innovation through evolutionary processes of convergence that combines existing principles and divergence that generates new ones, (3) decision analysis for research and development based on system-logic deduction, (4) the utility of higher-level cross-domain languages to generate new solutions and support transfer of new knowledge, and (5) the value of vision-inspired basic research embodied in grand challenges. Possible solutions are outlined for key societal challenges in the next decade, including support for foundational emerging technologies to create new industries and jobs, improve lifelong wellness and human potential, achieve personalized and integrated healthcare and education, and secure a sustainable quality of life for all. This report provides a ten-year "NBIC2" vision within a longer-term framework for converging technology and human progress outlined in a previous study of unifying principles across “NBIC” fields that began with nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and technologies based on and enabling cognitive science (Roco and Bainbridge 2003).
