Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint

The report argues that a convergence of AI acceleration, geostrategic competition, high debt, and climate change is redefining global growth. It outlines 'no-regret' strategies—such as investing in human capital and reinforcing economic fundamentals—while highlighting dilemmas regarding the role of government and the balance between global integration and self-reliance. Projections indicate a shift in growth toward Asia and middle-income economies, with IT services and advanced manufacturing as primary drivers.

• The 'new economy' is defined by five transformative forces: the acceleration of AI and frontier technologies, intensified geostrategic competition, record private and public debt (reaching 235% of GDP), the rebalancing of environmental and societal priorities, and significant demographic shifts.
• Global economic growth is shifting toward Asia and middle-income economies. Between 2025 and 2030, middle-income economies are expected to account for 65% of cumulative GDP growth, while Asia is projected to contribute more than 50%.
• Low-income economies are projected to have the fastest annual growth rates (7.4%) but will contribute only 1% to global growth between 2025 and 2030, despite representing 8% of the world's population.
• IT services is identified as the dominant industry for expected economic growth through 2030, followed by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and accommodation and leisure.
• High energy and commodity costs are the most consistent global barrier to growth, cited as a top-three barrier in 73 out of 118 countries. Lack of policy stability is another cross-cutting barrier affecting approximately half of all countries.
• Barriers to growth vary by income level: high-income countries primarily face skills shortages and rigid regulations, while low-income economies are hindered by limited access to finance and inadequate infrastructure.
• Business growth is expected to be driven primarily by business investment and foreign demand, with limited contribution from household consumption, particularly in advanced economies.
• Frontier technologies and the green energy transition are viewed as net positives for growth in 95% and 89% of countries respectively, whereas rising debt and societal polarization are seen as consistent headwinds.
• The report identifies critical policy dilemmas, including the choice between 'small' government (lean regulation) and 'bold' government (direct market steering), and the tension between fiscal prudence and financial repression to manage rising public debt.

APA

World Economic Forum (2026). Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint. https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Growth_in_the_New_Economy_Towards_a_Blueprint_2026.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint. 2026. https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Growth_in_the_New_Economy_Towards_a_Blueprint_2026.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint |date=April 2026 |url=https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Growth_in_the_New_Economy_Towards_a_Blueprint_2026.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2026growth, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2026}, month = apr, url = {https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Growth_in_the_New_Economy_Towards_a_Blueprint_2026.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }