From Shock to Strategy 2025

Images: Getty Images Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2025 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Foreword Executive summary 1 Driving forces affecting global value chains 2 Key pillars of future-ready value chains 3 Strategies shaping value chains up to 2030 3.1 Integrated sustainability 3.2 End-to-end collaboration 3.3 Technology adoption 4 Value chain scenarios: Envisioning the path to 2040 4.1 Global relations and trade 4.2 Regulatory complexity 4.3 Consumer behaviour and expectations 4.4 Climate disruption 4.5 Technology evolution 4.6 Cybersecurity 4.7 Workforce and skills 4.8 Social equity A mid-century outlook: 2050, a call to action Contributors Endnotes3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 32 34 From Shock to Strategy: Building Value Chains for the Next 30 Years 2