We recently ran a survey of 3,000 people to ask them a hypothetical question:

If you had $10,000 to invest in one future industry, which would you choose?

The fascinating state-by-state breakdown is below.

Key Findings:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics emerged as the top investment choice, reflecting a strong belief in their potential to transform daily life and various industries.
2. Biotechnology and Gene Editing ranked second, indicating a significant interest in their potential for curing genetic diseases and personalizing medical treatments.
3. Renewable Energy Advancements were the third most popular choice, highlighting a growing focus on sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
4. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality investments are seen as redefining entertainment, education, and professional training.
5. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Technology is gaining attention for its innovative approaches to food production and sustainability.
6. Longevity and Anti-Aging Research shows a rising interest in extending human lifespans and improving life quality in later years.
7. Nanotechnology is recognized for its broad applications, from medical treatments to new material development.
8. Quantum Computing is known for its potential to solve complex problems much faster than current technology.
9. Smart City Infrastructure investments are focused on enhancing urban efficiency and livability through technology.
10. Asteroid Mining is seen as a high-risk, high-reward venture, tapping into resources from asteroids.

Implications of the Study:

• Shift Towards Future-Oriented Investments: Our survey reflects a societal shift towards investing in industries that promise to revolutionize our future, moving beyond traditional investment areas.
• Focus on Sustainability and Well-being: There’s a clear trend towards sectors that not only offer financial returns but also contribute to sustainability, health, and the overall well-being of society.
• Public Interest in Cutting-Edge Technology: The popularity of sectors like AI, biotech, and renewable energy indicates a broad public interest and optimism in the power of technology to solve complex global challenges.
• Investment in Human Potential: The interest in longevity and anti-aging research signifies a societal focus on enhancing the quality of life, not just extending it.
• Economic and Ethical Considerations: Investments in areas like sustainable agriculture and smart cities reflect a balance between economic growth and ethical considerations, such as environmental sustainability and urban livability.
• Risk-Taking for Revolutionary Gains: The interest in high-risk sectors like asteroid mining and quantum computing suggests a willingness among investors to take significant risks for potentially revolutionary gains.
• Global Impact: These investment trends have the potential to create significant global impacts, reshaping economies, societies, and even day-to-day living.
• Educational and Professional Shifts: The growing interest in these sectors may lead to shifts in educational focus and professional training to prepare for a future dominated by these technologies.

Methodology

Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. 

Respondents are carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double opt-in members. This selection is further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey. Throughout the survey, we design questions to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the alignment of the survey with the ideal participants. 

To ensure the integrity of our data collection, we employ an array of data quality methods. Alongside conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, etc. each response undergoes a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Our commitment extends to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection.