Over the past 5 years of Foresight workshops *Convergence* has consistently been mentioned as a key Driver of Change. By convergence we mean the combination of sectors to create new businesses, the merging of sciences with other disciplines and the convergence of technology.

New collaborations such as the links developed between Apple, Google and AT&T in the personal computing, mapping and telephony markets were critical to develop the iPhone. The combination of sectors appears as companies seek to create new and niche markets catering to an increasingly mass customised economy. Health tourism is such an example where companies are providing, and people are purchasing, the ability to have medical treatment in a location other than their home area either for economic or ethical reasons.

Similarly the collaborations made through the merging of science in areas such as biotech and genetech are creating new markets and business sectors. Biotechnology combines disciplines like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, which are in turn linked to practical disciplines like chemical engineering, information technology, and robotics. Whilst there is a long history of biotech the convergence started to gather speed in the early 80’s when it became possible to patent genetically modified micro organisms opening up the economic potential for biotech.

From a more traditional ICT perspective convergence is the ability of consumers to obtain multiple services on a single platform or device or obtain any given service on multiple platforms or devices. Whether it is mobile phones with wifi or TV on the internet, convergence is driving a new pattern of consumer demand, built around three key factors: more mobility, more control and more participation.