The Global Cooperation Barometer 2026
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2025 indicators
Study visas granted,1 thousands Greenfield global data centres and software services
FDI announcements,2 percentage of GDP (indexed to 2020)
350400450
2013 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2420250150200
100
50250300
50100150200250
0
Q1 2024 Q1 2025United Kingdom
United StatesAustralia
CanadaQ1 2024 vs Q1 2025; percentage change
Total -16%-11%+15% -2%
-64%
2025 survey results
Forum council members: How would you describe
the state of global cooperation in innovation and
technology in 2025 compared to 2024? Executives: How has your company’s ability to conduct
business been affected, if at all, by changes in global
cooperation in 2025 compared to 2024 in innovation
and technology?
-11 -79
39% 48% 8%5% 25% 5% 48% 15% 4% 4%
Net sentiment score (positive minus negative answers); pp213
179
78544635
77195331
Stayed the sameLess cooperativeMore cooperative
Much more cooperativeMuch less cooperative
Don’t knowSomewhat more difficultNeither easier nor more difficult
Somewhat easierMuch more difficult
Much easierFIGURE 7 2025 overview of innovation and technology – indicators and survey
1. Study visas are defined as visa classifications where the primary purpose is educational or study-related activities (e.g. F-1, M-1 visas in the US).
2. Greenfield FDI announcements for global data centres and software services. Calculations for 2025 are an annualized estimate using data from January
to May of 2025.
Sources: US Department of State; Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship; Gov.uk; Australian Government Department of Education;
fDi Markets; August 2025 Global Councils Survey, N=171 (finished responses); August 2025 Executive Survey N=799; McKinsey & Company analysis.
The Global Cooperation Barometer 2026
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