Global Economic Futures Productivity in 2030 2025

Foreword The global economic backdrop is one of weak growth, complex geoeconomics and deepening policy uncertainty. The question is no longer whether the economic landscape is going to evolve, but how decision-makers can respond to these shifts. Can they harness this wave of change to build more innovative, inclusive, sustainable and resilient economies and businesses? To help decision-makers understand and anticipate change, the World Economic Forum and Accenture are launching this new series of publications entitled Global Economic Futures. The series uses scenario analysis as a tool to understand future trends, vulnerabilities and opportunities, and to identify strategies that can shape better outcomes. This first edition of the series explores the future of productivity, a critical topic at the root of challenges around boosting economic growth and living standards. The paper sets out four scenarios exploring the interaction of two core drivers of productivity: technology and human capital. It also presents a data-driven assessment of how businesses in different sectors may be affected. The aim is not to predict where the world will be in 2030. Instead, the series encourages leaders to think critically, creatively and purposefully about the future and to drive action on the key issues. The paper offers a set of actionable strategies to help businesses and governments not only adapt to change, but also shape it. We hope this paper and series will be a useful resource for decision-makers as they navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.Aengus Collins Head, Economic Growth and Transformation, World Economic ForumKathleen O’Reilly Senior Managing Director, Accenture Global Economic Futures: Productivity in 2030January 2025 Global Economic Futures: Productivity in 2030 3