Our Megatrends Update summer 2023 is out. We cover relevant economic, political, and social developments as well as emerging trends in the field of twelve global megatrends across countries and world regions. We invited Banning Garrett and Janna Lipenkova to comment on the climate imperative in times of mounting geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions (Banning) and on AI-based analysis and monitoring of megatrends and its relevance for companies(Janna).

The United Nations is already preparing for the Summit of the Future which will take place in September 2024 in New York. It will be a great opportunity to enhance global cooperation on critical challenges. This Megatrends Update is meant to stimulate further exchanges and cooperation with our esteemed readers. We also invite newcomers to join our global network and become part of the community of megatrends analysts and futurists. Send your comments, reach out for more exchanges and cooperation projects. 

Here you see an event on megatrends and future research we organised at the Berlin ScienceWeek, Nov. 5, 2022, Humboldt Auditorium
https://berlinscienceweek.com/de/event/megatrends-and-future-research/

China Impulse Podcast / Globale Megatrends und Zukunftsforschung, mit Fokus auf China
https://www.china-impulse.de/podcast/folge-044-dr-berthold-m-kuhn/

Blog published by Columbia University Press:
https://cupblog.org/2022/12/09/berthold-m-kuhn-and-dimitrios-l-margellos-on-global-perspectives-on-megatrends/

Here you see an event on megatrends and future research we organised at the Berlin ScienceWeek, Nov. 5, 2022, Humboldt Auditorium
https://berlinscienceweek.com/de/event/megatrends-and-future-research/

China Impulse Podcast / Globale Megatrends und Zukunftsforschung, mit Fokus auf China
https://www.china-impulse.de/podcast/folge-044-dr-berthold-m-kuhn/

Blog published by Columbia University Press:
https://cupblog.org/2022/12/09/berthold-m-kuhn-and-dimitrios-l-margellos-on-global-perspectives-on-megatrends/

short video on the megatrends book (2022)

Kuhn, Berthold M. with Margellos, Dimitrios L. (2022). Global Perspectives on Megatrends. The Future as Seen by Analysts and Researchers from Different World Regions. Ibidem Publishers (Germany)/Columbia University Press (US)

Berthold M. Kuhn and Dimitrios L. Margellos present a thoroughly reflected analysis of global trends shaping our future. This timely volume presents the insights and expertise from leading researchers, think tanks, and activists from all over the world.
Key megatrends include climate change and sustainability, digitalizati­on, growing inequalities, urbanization and smart cities, the progression towards a green economy, and sustainable finance. Addressing geopolitical shifts and the future of multilateralism, the authors also discuss new trends in democracy and governance, migration, health and nutrition, and civilizational developments like demography, diversity, identity politics, individualization, and shifting gender norms. Based on their own research and a series of interviews with leading analysts and researchers from different world regions, the authors present cutting-edge cont­ent on the future of humanity.

“When analyzing global megatrends,diversity of perspective is required. Interviews from internationally recognized scholars and practitioners capture global perspectives and offer readers insight into different research contexts. Highly recommended.” ibidem —Katrin Schweigel, Manager, University Alliance for Sustainability, Freie Universität Berlin

 Introduction

This book presents an analysis of megatrends and emerging issues that will strongly influence different spheres of life in many countries and at different levels, covering political, economic, natural environmental, social, and cultural dimensions.

To identify megatrends, we used the Pentagon Model, a framework developed by Berthold Kuhn in the context of his research and teaching activities at Freie Universität Berlin. It focuses on five criteria to prioritize big trends: (1) level of coverage by research activities, (2) level of political attention, (3) level of interest to global investors and business communities, (4) level of media coverage, and (5) attention paid by social movements....