Best Content of 2021

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We covered a plethora of topics in 2021, from augmented reality to blockchain, smart buildings to connected cars, agriculture 4.0 to Web3, growth ventures to software strategies. We've listed our top ten essays, podcasts and webinars of 2021 below. We hope you enjoy and have a happy and healthy end of the year.

10. Future Perfect: Emerging Research Trends for 2021 and Beyond

OK, we're kind of cheating with this one as it was published at the end of 2020, but in a year that was unpredictable in many ways, our six research trends for 2021 and beyond still hold true today. 

9. More Than a Meme: NFTs and the IoT

NFTs certainly ruled the headlines this year. Collins Dictionary even made "NFT" its word of the year. But the headlines miss the scope of this growth opportunity for enterprise and Smart Systems.

8. Chaos, Collaboration and Connected Cars

In the long evolution of the connected car, we’ve seen vehicle OEMs evolve from years of relative discomfort and often indifference related to the value of connectivity and data, to finally waking up to the fact that we are entering a new era of user-centered, data-driven services and values.

7. The Spectacular Failure of OEM Software Strategies

Covid-19 may have slowed supply chains, but it hasn't slowed growth. We looked at the role software should play in Machine and Equipment OEMs' growth strategies and what combination of build, buy or partner they should strive for.

6. Extending Reality: The Future of MR, VR & AR

We brought together an incredible panel of experts to discuss the future of the technologies and business models for enterprise extended reality.

5. The Death and Disintegration of Conglomerates

With the announcement of the break-up of the General Electric company, the era of diversified industrial enterprises appears to finally be coming to its end.

4. A Tale of Two [Smart] Cities

If we’ve learned anything in the last thirty years, it’s that siloed information and non-interoperable systems aren’t the solution to anything. We looked at the state of smart cities and what they need to truly become smart systems.

3. Moving Smart Home Luddites Forward

We explored the keys to unlocking the value in Smart Homes and catalyzing adoption. They include open data, innovative business and revenue models, and collaborative ecosystems.

2. The Time Has Come: Microgrids, Meet Smart Systems

We are finally reaching a tipping point: smart energy and future energy systems are finally (almost) here.

1. Back to the Future of Information: The Internet Beyond the Internet

We loved recording our forward-looking podcast with M12's senior strategist, Lee Feldman and the essay inspired that by that conversation. We covered a broad range of topics, including today's biggest technological growth opportunities.

Thank you for making it such a good year. We wish you a safe and happy holiday. As always, don't hesitate to get in touch with any feedback or questions.

—Glen Allmendinger and the Harbor Team