The Future of Materials Systems 2026

Priority areas for international cooperation4 In a fragmented geopolitical context, targeted cooperation around data transparency, standards and trade can deliver meaningful progress. The Forum’s survey of 150 global executives highlighted three cross-cutting areas where targeted international cooperation could help work towards more resilient, productive and sustainable materials systems: data transparency and traceability, stronger international technical standards, and trade and market cooperation (see Figure 9). Each area can play an enabling role in improving materials systems by improving visibility of material flows, enabling comparability and trust across value chains, and supporting the cross-border scaling-up of circular business models. The three priority areas offer the possibility of progress without relying on multilateral consensus in the first instance. They reflect strong and growing support from both governments and industry, alongside opportunities for flexible, interest-based cooperation. Three priority areas where international cooperation on materials can be advanced FIGURE 9 Data transpar ency and traceability Shar ed, inter operable data on materials enhances supply chain resilience, gover nance and access to r esour ces Inter national standar ds Inter operability and cr eation of specific additional standar ds impr oves coher ence and pr edictability Trade and market cooperation Impr oving coher ence enables trade and market systems to support supply security and cir cular economy objectives The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 17