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KNOWLEDGE FOR POLICY

Competence Centre on Foresight

We foster a strategic, future-oriented and anticipatory culture in the EU policymaking process.

Topic / Tool | Last updated: 28 Nov 2022

The Megatrends Hub

Megatrends are long-term driving forces that are observable now and will most likely have significant influence on the future.

Foresight

Brief me

megatrends_featured_topic
Read about the 14 megatrends in our booklet.

Here you will find:

  • Curated information structured around 14 Global Megatrends  relevant for the future of Europe.
  • Knowledge to help you understand what the megatrends mean for a specific issue. 
  • Macro- and micro-trends, developments and forecasts, potential implications and foresight-related resources.
  • Two engagement tools to explore how they can affect your policy field.

Megatrends are defined as long-term driving forces that are observable now and will most likely have a global impact. They can help you to identify probable and preferable futures. Use them to reflect on the future in a systemic way! 

Would you like to contribute to the Megatrends Hub? Have a look at our Guidelines for contribution and contact us.

What is the Megatrends Hub and how to use it
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(627 KB - pdf)
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Accelerating technological change and hyperconnectivity

There is a growing impact of technology and digital connectivity on how we live, from how we socialize and work, to production and governance.

Aggravating resource scarcity

Demand for water, food, energy, land and minerals is rising substantially, making natural resources increasingly scarce and more expensive.

Changing nature of work

New generations entering the workforce and older generations working longer are changing employment, career models, and organisational structures.

Changing security paradigm

The diversification of threats, and the people behind them, are generating new challenges for the defence and security communities, and to society as a whole.

Climate change and environmental degradation

Continued unabated, anthropogenic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions will further increase changing climate patterns.

Continuing urbanisation

People in search of better opportunities - such as jobs, services and education - have been moving from rural, to urban areas across the world, and this accelerating trend…

Diversification of education and learning

New generations and hyperconnectivity are rapidly changing both educational needs and modes of delivery.

Widening inequalities

The absolute number of people living in extreme poverty has been declining. But the gap between the wealthiest and poorest of the population is widening.

Expanding influence of East and South

The shift of economic power from the established Western economies and Japan towards the emerging economies in the East and South is set to continue.

Growing consumption

By 2030, the consumer class is expected to reach almost 5 billion people. This means 1.3 billion more people with increased purchasing power than today.

Increasing demographic imbalances

The world's population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with rapid growth mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and stagnating numbers of residents in the majority of developed countries.

Increasing influence of new governing systems

Non-state actors, global conscientiousness, social media and the internationalisation of decision-making are forming new, multi-layered governing systems.

Increasing significance of migration

The societal and political significance of migration has increased. Migration dynamics have become more complex in an interconnected world.

Shifting health challenges

Science and better living standards have reduced infectious diseases. Unhealthy lifestyles, pollution and other anthropogenic causes are turning into health burdens.

Megatrends Engagement Tools

Understand the interplay of the various megatrends and assess their implications for the domain or issue of your choice.

Megatrends interlinkages

How do different megatrends interact with each other? How can they impact future scenarios?

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