The digitalization of knowledge media

From Clayton, S. and Schultz, W. (April 2008) 'Local Government Horizon Scan 2015-30'

Summary

Knowledge digitized at an ever faster rate. The next few decades will see an accelerating transfer of conventional knowledge media to digitized and online sources – book, articles, papers, academic works, government documents, university courses and curriculum resources.
The increased use of debit cards, smart cards, electronic pre-payment cards, ‘virtual currencies’ (eg air miles) and electronic transfers could lead to the end of the traditional cash economy. If biometrics and encryption can provide sufficient security such a system could reduce crime and tax evasion. On the negative side, issues of privacy control would be critical, as would assuring the robustness of the system against technological collapse and attack.
Ubiquitous leasing may become standard in the next decade. Virtually all fixed assets may be leased to businesses and consumers rather than be owned. This may result in people owning fewer personal assets and a decrease in material consumerism.