The Future of Materials Systems 2026

Adapting cooperation approaches to a multipolar world2 Materials systems can be strengthened through interest-based coalitions capable of adaptive and targeted cooperation. As the global order becomes increasingly multipolar, the ways in which international cooperation on materials is conducted will need to adapt. While multilateral cooperation remains important for setting shared principles and long-term direction, it has declined by 20% since 2019 and this trend is likely to continue.10 Meaningful progress is therefore more likely to advance through flexible, smaller groupings that can act on common interests to achieve pragmatic goals (see Figure 6). As multilateral consensus slows down, interest-based coalitions can drive progress FIGURE 6 Note: 1. The source for the 20% datapoint is the World Economic Forum’s Global Cooperation Barometer 2026. Multilateralism declined by 20% since 20191– reducing operational effectiveness and legitimacy Important coordination role of intergovernmental organizations to reduce duplication and support knowledge transfer across regions and sectorsAgile, interest-based coalitions can accelerate progress on materials where multilateralism is stalling Growing number of interest-based initiatives risks fragmented rules, standards and processesEstablished multilateralism Agile, interest-based cooperation Plurilateral, regional and public-private coalitions Coexistence and rebalancingCollective governance through universal consensus The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 12