Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council has released its 10th annual report, World in Flux: Global Wildcards 2025–2030, offering insights into five transformative forces that are poised to redefine the global operating environment for businesses and governments over the next five years.
The report explores key disruptions and opportunities, emphasising the growing influence of the Global South, shifting trade dynamics, tech advancements, and the rising impact of powerful individuals in shaping global agendas.
One of the primary themes is the rise of the Global South. Middle powers such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil, along with nations in Africa such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa, are gaining greater influence as their economies expand. This trend presents businesses with both challenges and rewards, including access to younger, more productive workforces and emerging production hubs.
The report also predicts heightened tariff wars in international trade policy, with tit-for-tat measures likely to intensify. While these could restructure the global economy, the associated risks—slower growth, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs—pose significant concerns for businesses and consumers alike.
Technological shifts feature prominently, with the report examining their dual role in the fight against corruption. Emerging technologies offer tools to combat corruption but can also exacerbate it by creating new vulnerabilities in the information environment.
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This year’s report also revisits themes from its 2024 edition, including biodiversity loss, industrial policy, rapid transit, e-waste value recovery, and digital twin adoption. Produced by Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council, the report aims to help leaders anticipate emerging trends and navigate the uncertainties of an increasingly complex world.
As these forces unfold, the report underscores the importance of innovation and foresight in adapting to a rapidly changing global environment.
Why emerging tech is a double-edged sword
Emerging tech are shaping the future by acting as both drivers of change and potential solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, according to the report. The dual nature of these tech highlights their disruptive impact and transformative potential across key sectors.
One prominent area of focus is the rising global electricity demand, fuelled by rapid adoption of technologies such as AI and EVs. The report identifies AI-driven data centres and EVs as significant contributors to this surge, necessitating urgent investment in power grid modernisation. By 2030, electricity demand from EVs alone is projected to increase by an astonishing 630 per cent, while the energy consumption of AI data centres is expected to grow substantially.
However, emerging tech are not just creating challenges; they also offer innovative solutions. Advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) can boost the capacity of existing power grids, enabling better integration of renewable energy.
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Small modular reactors (SMRs), a new generation of nuclear reactors, are being explored by companies such as Google and Amazon to power data centres sustainably. Other promising tech include geothermal energy and digital twins—virtual models that enhance grid management and operational efficiency.
Beyond infrastructure, these tech are making strides in governance and societal impact. While tools such as generative AI can perpetuate disinformation, they are also being employed to counter corruption. AI applications are already helping to identify risks in public procurement, flag potentially corrupt contracts, and estimate behavioural risks among civil servants.
Emerging tech are also empowering individuals in unprecedented ways. The rise of “super-empowered individuals” has been accelerated by social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), enabling figures such as Elon Musk and Greta Thunberg to influence industries and drive global movements. These platforms amplify voices and create opportunities for individuals to shape economic and environmental landscapes.
As emerging technologies continue to evolve, their role as both disruptors and enablers becomes increasingly clear. Governments and businesses must navigate this complexity, leveraging technological advancements to address challenges while mitigating associated risks. Balancing these dimensions will be critical to harnessing the transformative power of innovation for the benefit of society.
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