At EY, we describe megatrends as large, transformative global forces that define the future by having a far-reaching impact on business, economies, industries, societies and individuals. We live in a world in constant motion. Goods, capital and labor are traveling globally at a faster pace than ever and moving in novel patterns. Technological innovation, including digital, is rewriting every industry and the way in which human beings manage their lives. In this world, the ever-increasing acceleration of change is one of the few constants.
EY has identifi ed six megatrends. We think that each has the present and future capacity to disrupt and reshape the world in which we live in surprising and unexpected ways. We call them digital future; entrepreneurship rising; global marketplace; urban world; resourceful planet; and health reimagined. With each megatrend, we present a set of observations and facts designed to cover what we deem to be the most important and interesting aspects. In total, they provide a “best guess” from where we sit today as to how these megatrends might unfold in the future. As with any exercise of this type, we don’t claim to have a crystal ball. We do, however, believe in the fundamental importance of thinking critically about the implications embedded in these megatrends today, as well as scanning the horizon for new developments. For EY, the megatrends process is one of the key ways in which we gain insights that inform our mission of building a better working world. The process helps us to better understand the challenges and opportunities that our clients face so that we can effectively respond to their shifting needs. In this spirit, EY invites you to peruse this report to consider how these megatrends might also be impacting your business, your partners and your customers — opening up new opportunities to achieve adaptation, growth and success in the near and longer-term future.
Uschi Schreiber
EY Global Vice Chair — Markets and Chair, Global Accounts Committee
Megatrends are large, transformative global forces that impact everyone on the planet. EY has identified six megatrends that define our future by having a far-reaching impact on business, society, culture, economies and individuals. While each of the megatrends stands on its own, there is clear interactivity. Digital, for example, is closely intertwined with expected transformations across the other five megatrends. Big data, sensors and social applications will underpin the reimagining of health management. Digital technologies will drive the realization of tomorrow’s “intelligent cities.” Digital oil fi elds will lead to increased savings and output in the energy space, while “smart grids” will revolutionize the production, delivery and use of electricity worldwide. The ability to create digitally based business models has lowered the barrier to creating new and innovative ventures for entrepreneurs around the world. In some cases, successful outcomes in one megatrend are related to developments in another. As the world urbanizes to the tune of 750 cities contributing 61% of global GDP by 2030, urban areas will require sustainable and resilient solutions to optimize resources, reduce risks and promote the well-being of all citizens. The economic promise of an increasingly global marketplace will be dependent on major investment in infrastructure and related fi nancing in the world’s new and existing cities.
The megatrends illustrate a world in motion. Economic power continues to shift eastward. New markets and new trade linkages are emerging. The boundaries between industry sectors are blurring. New entrants that are digitally native are overturning existing business models. Existing players in one sector (technology) are entering other sectors (health) with exciting new propositions. As we hurtle toward 2030, developments within these six megatrends, as well as the interplay between them, will certainly bear close watching.
The forces driving our future
1. Digital future – Technology is disrupting all areas of enterprise, driving myriad opportunities and challenges
2. Entrepreneurship rising – Entrepreneurship around the world is growing, driving the need for more supportive ecosystems
3. Global marketplace – Economic power continues to shift east and south, driving new patterns of trade and investment
4. Urban world – Effective infrastructure investment and sound planning will make future cities competitive and resilient
5. Resourceful planet – Growing demand and shifting supply are driving innovation in the energy and resources space
6. Health reimagined – Technology and demographics converge to drive a once-in-a-lifetime transformation
More: EY „Megatrends 2015”