Megatrends and subway maps - what do both have in common?

Disruptive technological advancement, driven by e.g. Artificial Intelligence, automation, Internet of things (IoT) or biotechnology, changes how humans operate in the world enabling disruptive evolution in business models, more value creation but at the same time with harmful consequences if risks are not or can’t be mitigated.

Despite increasing awareness of environmental issues, resource of scarcity and the transition to renewable energy which are driving towards environmentally responsible practices, global warming and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe. In 2023, for the first time, global warming has exceeded 1,5°C above pre-industrial level across an entire year, according to the EU's climate service.

Demographic shifts, driven by population growth/stagnation, aging population, changing family structures, have a significant impact on economies, health care systems and social safety nets. The conditions will vary dramatically between different regions /countries.

The interconnectedness of economies, cultures and societies through trade, migration and communication networks drives the global economy. However, according to the Club of Rome (2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years) five regions, US, OECD (incl. EU, JP, Canada and other industrial countries), China, BRISE (Brasil, Russia, India and South Africa and 10 other countries with so-called emerging market) are competing for global influence. The rest of the world comprises ca. 2,1 bn people mostly living below the income limit.

Migration of people from rural areas to cities is driving the change in landscapes, infrastructure needs and consumption patterns.  Social and economic polarization, demographic shifts are leading to an increase in social inequality. Again, conditions will vary dramatically between different regions /countries.