At the start of a new decade, timely, affordable and scientifically sound answers are urgently sought for our planet, including, for example, rebuilding deteriorating infrastructure and outdated water management systems, and revolutionizing transportation and telecommunications. In 2020, polymer science will garner significant attention at technical conferences, and with the release of actionable market data that ChemQuest researched for the American Coatings Association’s U.S. and Global Market Analyses for the Paint & Coatings Industry (2019–2024). Which innovative materials are likely to be disruptive to markets? Are attractive synergies emerging in paint/coatings and adhesives/sealants for the upstream specialty chemicals’ value chain? This article examines current market dynamics, innovation drivers and various outcomes.