Under the European Commission's Future and Emerging Technologies programme, the backing is designed to give Europe an edge in key areas of research.

BBC: Europe gives 2bn euros to science

Fourth, there is little likelihood that emerging technologies will enable unmanned aircraft to become autonomously capable and survivable in the near future.

FORBES: The Revolution In Unmanned Aircraft Is Overrated

But among investors and vendors of emerging technologies such as IP telephony, expect a very different reaction--and concern about the future.

FORBES: Post-Powell Depression