Megatrends

Megatrends describe long-term, slowly evolving and often interconnected major phenomena that do not change overnight. Sitra’s megatrends review highlights these phenomena from a Finnish perspective. It is worth looking at megatrends together, because they are not isolated from one another but influence each other. The aim of the megatrend report is to give an overview of the trends affecting our future and thus enable different ways of thinking about and discussing the future and influencing it.

Megatrends do not make it possible to predict the future, but the megatrends review can serve as a tool and basis for discussion when looking at changes in the world around us, for example when making decisions, supporting learning, working on strategy or even framing a news story. Looking at megatrends benefits everyone, because the future belongs to us all.

Megatrends 2023 describe the big picture of change through five themes: nature, people, power, technology and the economy.

1. Nature’s carrying capacity eroding
2. Growing well-being challenges
3. The battle for democracy intensifies
4. Competition for digital power gears up
5. Economic foundations are cracking

Once again, the 2023 report focuses on the big picture of future developments from Finland’s perspective. The report aims to provide understanding for a time of surprises: what has changed, how current changes are interconnected and how can they can be influenced. The report also outlines different possible futures, as even though the challenges are significant, a more hopeful future is also possible.

Sitra’s trend report has been published since 2011. In addition to the written report, over the years, there have been slide shows, videos, trend cards, tool boxes, background memos – you name it!

Sitra’s megatrend report draws on several sources, and therefore always represents one interpretation of future developments. It aims to bring together different visions, future reports, debates and perspectives in an easily understandable and usable format. The megatrend work also uses the expertise of Sitra experts, international and national statistics, academic research, news articles, expert statements, and the work of the national foresight network.