Modeling Tomorrow: How to Classify Emerging Technologies in IMPLAN

Emerging technologies are reshaping industries and economies in profound ways. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights key innovations in artificial intelligence, personal devices, automation and mobility, and connectivity that we should expect to see this year. For economic analysts and planners, understanding the economic footprint of these technologies requires precise industry classification.

IMPLAN allows users to start with a NAICS code and drill down to specific IMPLAN Industries, enabling more accurate impact analysis. Since there are literally thousands of NAICS codes, the NAICS to IMPLAN Industry Search lets users find the right Industry by entering a description, streamlining the modeling process without leaving the application. To prepare IMPLAN users for the year ahead, this article walks through twelve emerging technologies, their economic implications, and the best Industries for modeling them.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Generative AI Assistants are rapidly evolving beyond simple chatbots to become integrated helpers in everyday workflows. These assistants can summarize information, automate routine tasks, and enhance decision-making across customer service, sales, and internal operations. The focus this year will be on productivity gains, with companies investing in AI that fits seamlessly into their existing systems. To achieve this, businesses will rely on AI tools built and maintained by software publishers, who play a critical role in developing the platforms and applications that power these intelligent assistants.

• NAICS: 513210 - Software Publishers
• IMPLAN Industry: 410 - Software Publishers

Next-Gen AI (“World Models”) represents a shift from static data-driven AI to systems that learn by interacting with virtual environments. This approach promises improvements in robotics, logistics, and design by enabling AI to better understand and adapt to complex, dynamic situations. The economic impact of these World Models will stem from research and development investments focused on reducing errors and expanding AI capabilities.

• NAICS: 541715 - Artificial Intelligence R&D Laboratories and Services
• IMPLAN Industry: 446 - Scientific Research and Development Services

AI Malware is an emerging threat where attackers use AI to create adaptive, self-evolving malicious software. This drives increased spending on cybersecurity solutions and disaster response services. Focusing on behavioral detection and AI governance, these services emphasize resilience and rapid response over traditional defenses. 

• NAICS: 541519 - Computer disaster recovery services
• IMPLAN Industry: 443 - Other computer related services, including facilities management

AI Mental Health Tools combine AI with licensed care to expand access to mental health services. These tools aim to provide scalable support while maintaining safety and clinical validation, addressing provider shortages and reducing stigma. To deliver these capabilities, businesses and healthcare providers depend on software publishers to develop secure, compliant platforms that integrate AI with clinical workflows, ensuring both accessibility and trust in digital mental health solutions.

• NAICS: 513210 - Software Publishers
• IMPLAN Industry: 410 - Software Publishers

PERSONAL DEVICES

Foldable Smartphones are transitioning from niche gadgets to mainstream usage, offering users larger, flexible displays that enhance multitasking and productivity. Their adoption depends on improvements in durability, hinge design, and repairability, making them attractive to both consumers and enterprise users.  Achieving these advancements requires significant innovation in engineering and design, driving growth and investment within the cellphone manufacturing industry as companies adapt production processes to meet the demands of foldable technology.

• NAICS: 334220 - Cellular telephones (new and rebuilt) manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 291 - Broadcast and wireless communications equipment manufacturing

Health Wearables like smartwatches and smart rings are becoming vital tools for monitoring chronic conditions like hypertension, sleep apnea, and diabetes. These devices enable continuous health tracking and virtual consultations, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

• NAICS: 334510 - Electromedical equipment manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 300 - Electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus manufacturing

Neurotech (Brain-Computer Interfaces) is advancing non-invasive devices that translate brain and nerve signals into digital commands. These technologies hold promise for accessibility, healthcare diagnostics, and augmented reality applications, with ongoing clinical trials and product development.

• NAICS: 334510 - Electromedical equipment manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 300 - Electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus manufacturing

AUTOMATION & MOBILITY

Home Robots are beginning to enter households, primarily assisting with chores such as laundry folding and unloading dishwashers. Early models often rely on human teleoperation, but advances in autonomy and dexterity are paving the way for broader adoption. The economic focus is on hardware reliability and service models that support maintenance and updates. Because home robots are still such a new technology, residential robot manufacturing is not an available NAICS industry, making industrial robot manufacturing the closest match.

• NAICS: 333998 - Industrial robots manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 286 - Scales, balances, and miscellaneous general purpose machinery manufacturing

Autonomous Vehicles are expanding from pilot programs to commercial robotaxi services in multiple cities. The technology is maturing into a service business, with operators focusing on fleet management, safety, and partnerships with airports and campuses to build sustainable demand.

• NAICS: 336110 - Unmanned and robotic automobiles manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 324 - Automobile and light duty motor vehicle manufacturing

EV Performance Tech is driving innovation in electric vehicle powertrains, including lightweight axial-flux motors and advanced power electronics. These developments aim to improve acceleration, efficiency, and safety, influencing both consumer preferences and regulatory standards.

• NAICS: 336110 - Electric automobiles for highway use manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 324 - Automobile and light duty motor vehicle manufacturing

CONNECTIVITY

Digital ID technologies are transforming identity verification by enabling secure, privacy-preserving digital credentials stored on mobile devices. These systems simplify onboarding and fraud prevention across the banking, education, and travel sectors.

• NAICS: 513210 - Software Publishers
• IMPLAN Industry: 410 - Software Publishers

LEO Satellite Internet is revolutionizing connectivity by providing high-speed internet from low earth orbit satellites. This technology enhances access in remote areas and supports mobile platforms like aviation and maritime, with competition intensifying among providers.

• NAICS: 334220 - Space satellites, communications, manufacturing
• IMPLAN Industry: 291 - Broadcast and wireless communications equipment manufacturing

INDUSTRY BRIDGE

The table below maps each emerging technology to its NAICS code and corresponding IMPLAN Industry. With the NAICS to IMPLAN Industry Search function, users can easily find and select the most precise industry classification, ensuring greater accuracy and relevance in their analysis.

CONCLUSION

The real strength of IMPLAN is how easily it adapts to model new innovations. Even when technologies feel futuristic, you can map them to existing IMPLAN industries and start building a credible impact analysis right away. Tools like the NAICS to IMPLAN Industry Search and downloadable bridge files make the process faster, so you can focus on understanding the economic footprint of emerging trends. Whether you’re analyzing AI-driven services, next-generation devices, or advanced mobility solutions, IMPLAN can help provide an understanding of what’s next.

REFERENCES

Joanna Stern, Nicole Nguyen & Christopher Mims, “Tech That Will Change Your Life in 2026,” The Wall Street Journal, December 26, 2025.

Written January 8, 2026