The Future of Materials Systems 2026

Top challenges in materials management and barriers to cooperation FIGURE 4 Source: World Economic Forum global leaders survey, 2025.64% 63% 62% 49%High concentration of materials supply in a few countries Inconsistent or pr otectionist trade policies acr oss countries Geopolitical tensions and low trust among supplier and consumer r egions Weak international agreement on the governance of materials% of business leaders (n=150) 51% 47% 38%Fragmented landscape of initiatives obscur es high-impact collaboration Concerns about data sharing or intellectual property protection Lack of necessary intergover nmental coordination% of business leaders (n=150)Survey question: What are the systemic barriers that prevent your organization from managing materials in terms of securing accessibility , boosting productivity and ensuring sustainability?Survey question: What are the main factors holding back your organization from further participating in international partnerships or initiatives to enhance global materials collaboration? Challenges in global materials management Barriers to international cooperation The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 10