From Shock to Strategy 2025

Integrated sustainability. Government-led change will play a large part in ensuring equality for workers and society by driving companies, in collaboration with the private sector, to develop and implement policies and regulations that will promote equitable treatment. Equal access to technology will help mitigate social disparities and increase workers’ well-being. Access to technology has the potential to reduce economic and educational disparities, providing opportunities to increase the diversity of talent in the workforce. It can also enhance workers’ conditions by improving workplace safety, increasing access to healthcare and social services and ensuring greater job security and mobility. Climate change will continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable regions that often have limited response capabilities. When sustainable practices address these inequities by targeting resources where they are most needed, they will advance climate justice by ensuring environmental protection reaches those facing the greatest risks with the fewest resources. End-to-end collaboration. End-to-end collaboration for enhancing social equity will likely occur on three interconnected levels. At the company level, access to essential input factors for value chains will encourage equitable economic and social development in organizations of all sizes and locations. At the network level, stakeholder integration will promote equal competition among companies, allowing underserved communities to grow. Lastly, on a global level, cross-border and intergovernmental collaborative efforts will support the distribution of prosperity across nations and regions, driving more inclusive economic growth. Technology adoption. Technology democratization has the potential to enhance connectivity and support for workers, ensuring the inclusion of marginalized groups. Access to innovations can enable an augmented and connected workforce, creating greater opportunities for all workers to engage and succeed. However, digital literacy, driven by public–private partnership training and upskilling initiatives, will be crucial for workers to use these advanced technologies effectively. Additionally, digital literacy will enable the use of big data and advanced analytics, providing valuable insights into future workforce and societal needs.4.8 Social equity From Shock to Strategy: Building Value Chains for the Next 30 Years 29