WEF Report Charts Long-Term Global Growth Strategies

GENEVA, Switzerland — A report released by the World Economic Forum projects that middle-income economies will account for nearly two-thirds of global GDP growth through 2030, identifying both sectoral drivers and structural challenges.

The analysis, based on discussions with approximately 200 policymakers and experts and a survey of more than 11,000 executives worldwide, indicates that information technology services, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and accommodation and leisure are expected to lead economic output over the next five years.

Asia is projected to contribute more than 50 percent of global growth during this period. 

Low-income economies are expected to account for one percent of global growth. 

In Latin America and the Caribbean, growth opportunities are anticipated to be concentrated in agriculture, mining, and metals.

Survey respondents identified high energy costs and political instability as the principal barriers to global economic expansion. 

In high-income economies, skills shortages and regulatory rigidity were cited as key constraints.

 Limited access to finance and inadequate infrastructure emerged as primary concerns among low-income economies.

The report, titled “Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint,” organizes its findings into four major policy areas: technology and human capital, global cooperation versus domestic capacity, the business environment and the role of government, and sustainability.

According to the report, technological innovation and the transition to green energy are expected to drive long-term growth and investment, while high debt levels, societal polarization, and climate change present ongoing structural challenges across regions.

Demographic trends are projected to produce divergent economic outcomes. 

Aging populations are expected to slow growth in Eastern Asia and Europe, while younger demographics are forecast to support expansion in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Executives anticipate that Southeast Asia will benefit from shifts in supply chains and trade patterns associated with geoeconomic fragmentation.

Domestic corporate investment and foreign demand are projected to be the primary sources of growth over the next five years.

 Domestic consumption and public spending are expected to play a reduced role, reflecting stagnant real incomes and elevated public debt levels.