Innovation can thrive in tough times

Sure, times are difficult and there are plenty of layoffs. But innovation has not been stopped in its track, an article in Business Week points out. The magazine asked several trend watchers and futurists what kind of innovations they expect to emerge from this recession.

"There's a reason why they call them market corrections," says author and futurist David Zach. "Things that don't work, are inefficient, out of date, or bloated often need to be bypassed."

Here are a few predictions they have regarding technology issues:

• A better high-speed Internet that will overcome geographical barriers.
• Self-diagnostic tools in health care that can be used at home, replacing expensive doctor visits.
• Health care systems will be overhauled with electronic patient records.
• Radically new ideas for transportation that include better urban transit.

For more on what the future has in store for technology:
- check out this BusinessWeek.com article