Davos 2025, ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age’

Theme 1: Rebuilding Trust

Global communication patterns have shifted dramatically, with digitally delivered services growing at 8.2% annually – outpacing average trade growth of 5.8%. This technological progress unfolds against a backdrop of societal divides and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Research reveals trust as a systemic force where business investments and policy decisions reverberate beyond immediate stakeholders, influencing social cohesion and governance structures. Data indicates a strong correlation between governance quality and societal trust, with countries experiencing safety and security deteriorations showing corresponding declines in institutional trust. This pattern becomes especially relevant as international relations shift toward multipolarity, while protectionist policies affect global trade and investment flows.

Theme 2: Reimagining Growth

The digital economy now represents over 15.5% of global GDP and analyses suggest it could generate up to 70% of new value in the global economy over the next decade. This expansion occurs alongside significant economic headwinds, including high debt levels and reduced fiscal buffers.

Research indicates that violence carries a global economic cost of £19.1 trillion (13.5% of global GDP). Data shows countries with improving peace indicators tend to demonstrate stronger economic performance, suggesting links between stability and economic health.

Theme 3: Investing in People

Current analyses indicate nearly 40% of global employment shows exposure to AI influences. Research suggests this technological impact appears more likely to augment rather than replace human work, pointing toward evolving workforce needs.

Data reveals correlations between societal safety and human capital development, where stable societies show stronger foundations for education, job creation, and social mobility. These patterns offer insights for public and private sector investment considerations, particularly in emerging and frontier fields.

Theme 4: Safeguarding the Planet

International Energy Agency data suggests current technological capabilities could contribute to 66% of emissions reductions needed for net-zero by 2050. Regions facing high ecological risks often show correlations with lower peace indicators, suggesting complex interconnections between environmental and social stability.

The energy sector data reveals a complex balance between affordability, security, and sustainability. Projections indicate electricity demand from the tech sector may increase from 460 TWh today to 1,000 TWh by 2026.

Theme 5: Industries in the Intelligent Age

Technology has emerged as the primary driver of change across industries, requiring leaders to develop new competencies for managing structural transformations. The advancement of AI, quantum computing, biotech, and automation presents unprecedented opportunities, but also demands careful consideration of their societal impacts.

Business leaders must navigate these changes whilst maintaining robust business environments that bring both innovation and stability. This includes addressing potential disruptions to supply chains and operational vulnerabilities – challenges that invite a deeper consideration of how technological advancement can serve both commercial and societal interests.

Interconnection & progress 

Global challenges and opportunities interconnect – where progress in one area naturally can strengthen the others. The complexity of these challenges suggests that traditional boundaries between businesses, governments, and civil society may need to blur and adapt. Early evidence indicates that successful approaches will likely emerge from the thoughtful integration of technological advancement, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. As we move deeper into the Intelligent Age, how organisations respond to these five themes may well determine the resilience and prosperity of our shared future.