The TradeTech Paradox Connectivity Amid Fragmentation 2026

Images: Adobe Stock, Midjourney, Studio Miko. Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2026 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Foreword 3 Executive summary 4 Introduction 5 1 The trade stack 6 1.1 Global foundational framework 7 1.2 National governance layer 8 1.3 Trade enabler layer 8 1.4 Enterprise layer 9 1.5 Interactions between layers 9 2 The tradetech stack 10 2.1 Single-layer connections: innovations within layers 11 2.3 Multi-layer connections – bridging layers 17 3 Beyond the tech 22 3.1 Inter-governmental collaboration 23 3.2 Connector countries 25 3.3 Cross-layer partnerships 26 3.4 Data infrastructure 27 3.5 Human capacity 28 3.6 Ethics 29 4 Strategic foresight stress test: exploring the resilience 30 of trade technologies in a changing world Conclusion 34 Contributors 35 Endnotes 37 The TradeTech Paradox: Connectivity Amid Fragmentation 2