An Economist Impact report supported by Webex by Cisco
May 24, 2022
The sudden and shifting global landscape of the past few years has accelerated decades-long transformations and catalyzed a renewed sense of possibility for a world that looks much different from today. The question of how to use the present moment of flux to establish a better future looms large for business leaders and policymakers alike.
With this future in mind, Webex by Cisco sponsored Economist Impact, the unit of The Economist Group that conducts world-class policy research and global media amplification, to identify leading trends impacting work and shaping our world.
Looking towards 2040, this report offers a brief overview of current and forthcoming drivers of major change, all with the potential to reshape society. These trends will form the cornerstones of a soon-to-be-released scenarios report exploring four potential futures.
Download the report below to explore these key areas:
- Global demography: Opportunities for business and work will come from new places as aging populations, interstate migration, and urbanization change global demographics and create new markets for customers and suppliers.
- Geopolitics and macroeconomics: Rising tensions create long-term risks for economies and jobs, with growing inequality throwing long-term stability into question.
- Social services and governance: The demand for remote or flexible work models is a reflection of the global desire for better living conditions.
- Climate: The risk of climate catastrophe remains high, while climate-induced migration will intersect with urbanization to determine new centers of commerce and power.
- Automation, jobs and education: Rapid technological advancement, including AI and automation, will transform jobs and work, creating a need for upskilling and new educational models.
- Corporate responsibility and worker power: The extreme pressure put on workers in the global economy has renewed calls for a reimagining of the standard relationship between employers and employees.
- Connectivity and interaction: Improved connectivity can improve wellbeing and foster global community, but risks such as mass-scale disinformation persist.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Webex by Cisco and do not necessarily reflect the view and policies of Economist Impact.