Trends Identified
Distribution of Economic Power
Economic power has long been wielded by wealthy, high-income states such as the US and, to a certain extent, by the EU and its individual members, to achieve desired outcomes. This can be done through the negotiation of trade arrangements or through coercive sanctions. However, rapid economic growth in developing economies, increasing economic interdependence, and competition for strategic resources will erode the utility and effectiveness of economic power. The trend towards a multi-polar economic landscape is likely to continue. As resource scarcity starts to impact, China, India, and resource-rich states such as Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and possibly Brazil are likely to use economic levers to achieve geopolitical ends more frequently. By 2040, China’s and India’s output is likely to be of a similar magnitude to US and EU output, although their per capita income will remain significantly lower. Hence, 2 of the 4 largest global economies are unlikely to be high income states. The manner in which this disparity is perceived, and the extent to which China and India focus on internal development rather than wider global challenges, is likely to be fundamental to the global economic and strategic outlook.
2010
Global strategic trends - out to 2040
UK, Ministry of Defence
Diverging global population trends
Across the world, the basic determinants of population size and structure — fertility, mortality and migration — have been fundamentally altered by the processes of social and economic development. As a result, the global population doubled to 7 billion in the last half century and will continue growing fast in coming decades, although regional trends differ markedly. In advanced economies, populations are ageing and in some cases reducing in size. At the other extreme, populations in the least developed countries are expanding rapidly. Migration is also affecting the distribution and structure of populations, as people move in search of higher earnings or to escape conflict or environmental degradation.
2015
Assessment of global megatrends - an update
European Environment Agency (EEA)
Diversifying approaches to governance
In the context of rapid globalisation, governments are facing a mismatch between the increasingly long-term, global, systemic challenges facing society and their more national and short-term focus and powers.
2015
Assessment of global megatrends - an update
European Environment Agency (EEA)
Diversity and inclusion
As values change across the business landscape, diversity and inclusion, often seen as “nice to have,” are increasingly becoming a necessity—and for good reason. The business case has never been stronger, as studies show that diverse teams are much more likely to foster employee engagement and improve business performance. Diverse teams are 13 times more likely to engage employees than nondiverse teams
2017
Twelve Forces That Will Radically Change How Organizations Work
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Divisive Values
Brands are no longer shying away from polarising political and social issues, and they’re increasing their fame and fortune in the process.
2018
Most contagious report 2018
Contagious
DNA data storage
Example of Organizationsactive in the area: Twist Bioscience (US).
2018
Table of disruptive technologies
Imperial College London
DNA fingerprinting and personal genomes
Personal genomes will replace more traditional forms of identification. Newborns will be screened for possible genetic diseases and the genome data will be added to the healthcare record as a reference diagnostic point. Genetic information will be available if necessary for specific purposes. While individuals will own and actively manage their genetic and health data, safeguards will make sure that fundamental rights, including human dignity will be preserved in the EU.
2015
Preparing the Commission for future opportunities - Foresight network fiches 2030
European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)
Do no harm
Humans will reassert themselves in the battle between safety and innovation as regulation of new technology evolves.
2018
Top Policy Trends of 2018
PWC
Do smart consumers want smart homes?
By early 2018, Apple will have launched its HomePod device, a smart home speaker/assistant to rival the likes of Amazon Echo and Google Home. With Samsung, Sonos and others also set to enter this space, competition to become the default name in this area will be erce.
2018
Trends 18
GlobalWebIndex
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Movement
Driven by the ubiquitous adoption of the Internet and smartphones, individuals are increasingly engaging with the digital world to make purchasing decisions and perform tasks without professional assistance.
2017
Beyond the Noise- The Megatrends of Tomorrow’s World
Deloitte