At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017, global leaders highlighted the development of the internet of things (IoT) as one of the most significant emerging technologies, harbouring the potential for massive societal impact. Recognizing this opportunity, the World Economic Forum, the Auto-ID Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and GS1, the global standards organization, collaborated to help define a path forward while ensuring a shared understanding of the pressing challenges facing the development of IoT.

Over the course of 2017 and 2018, the Forum, the Auto-ID Lab at MIT and GS1 organized calls and workshop meetings to gather input, case studies and insights from experts and key stakeholders. Roundtable events were also held at the Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2017 and Annual Meeting 2018.

This White Paper presents the findings and outcomes of this work. It includes a framework for analysing the space, the opportunities for impact and the challenges facing the IoT ecosystem. A series of recommendations are also put forward to help the government, the private sector and civil society organizations work together to advance the development of IoT in the public interest.

Report by the World Economic Forum