Our Future World: A summary of the megatrends facing our world in the next 20 years…
“Australia is at a pivotal point. There is a tidal wave of disruption on the way, and it’s critical we take steps now to get ahead of it.”
— CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall
With the last CSIRO megatrend’s report delivered over 10 years ago, the latest report from Australia’s leading science agency seeks to determine and detail the megatrends that will impact Australia for the coming 20 years.
But what is a megatrend?
CSIRO define a megatrend as a trajectory of change likely to have a substantial and transformative impact on individuals, organisations and societies. Megatrends typically unfold over years or decades and occur at the intersection of multiple interconnected trends that are narrower in scope. The trends which comprise megatrends are often classified as geopolitical, economic, environmental, social or technological (GEEST).
What are megatrends identified in CSIRO’s latest report? Check out the summary below.
Adapting to a changing climate The protection of livelihoods, infrastructure and people’s quality of life as the climate changes.
Leaner, cleaner, and greener The global push to reach net zero and beyond, protect biodiversity and use resources efficiently.
The escalating health imperative The promotion of health in the face of rising demand, demographic ageing, emerging diseases, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Geopolitical shifts The increase in efforts to ensure global stability, trade and economic growth.
Diving into digital The rapidly growing digital and data economy.
Increasingly autonomous The rise of artificial intelligence and advance autonomous systems to enhance productivity and outputs across all industries.
Unlocking the human dimension The elevating importance of diversity, equity and transparency in business, policy and community decision making.
The comprehensive report published by CSIRO elaborates in detail each megatrend, and provides a snapshot of these trends with the view that new insights, trends and data will continue to influence these trends and indeed the report in the years to come.
What can all of us in the public purpose sector take from this report?
These megatrends were designed to illustrate the emerging patterns of change that are likely to influence future investment, strategy and policy decisions in the years and decades to come.
To read the full report, visit the CSIRO website here.
About IPAA Queensland:
Like these insights? Join as an individual member to enjoy these insights and more.
IPAA Queensland advances the professionalism, capability and integrity of public administration and public purpose work and promotes pride in service.
If you’re a public servant or engaged in public purpose work, we encourage you to get to know and connect with IPAA Queensland. Find out more about us by reading more on our site or through joining as a member here.