In 20 years, the world is expected to undergo significant transformations across technology, society, economy, and politics: Technology and Jobs
- Automation and AI will affect about 50% of jobs globally, shifting skill demands rather than eliminating most jobs (less than 5% job loss expected). This will require widespread reskilling and adaptation to new roles
- Advanced AI, including Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), could drive unprecedented economic progress and societal change, impacting employment, politics, and economics
- Commercial fusion energy may become a reality, potentially revolutionizing energy production
- Quantum computing and 5G networks will transform industries from medicine to logistics and enable smart cities and connected devices
Social and Cultural Changes
- Healthcare will shift from reactive to preventative, aided by quantified health technologies
- Work culture will become more flexible, with lifelong learning and micro-credentials becoming the norm to keep pace with evolving careers
- Space exploration may bring human life and work beyond Earth within reach
- Technology may deepen social divides between those with access and those without, raising equity concerns
Economic and Environmental Trends
- The global payments system will become faster and cheaper due to fintech and standardization
- Circular economy practices will mature to address environmental impacts
- Renewable energy investment will surge, becoming the largest energy investment class
- Universal Basic Income (UBI) may be adopted more widely to address job displacement from automation
Political and Regulatory Landscape
- Environmental regulations will tighten significantly in response to climate change
- Geopolitical shifts, such as the rise of China and economic protectionism, will create a more unpredictable political environment
- Regulation will increasingly focus on outcomes to encourage innovation
Overall, the next 20 years will be marked by rapid technological advances that reshape jobs, lifestyles, and economies, alongside social and political challenges that require adaptation and new policies
