Trend Megatrend 3: demographic imbalances

Summary

The third megatrend in the Megatrends 2040 report is demographic imbalance. Projections show a world split in two, with populations growing in one group of countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and shrinking in another. Ageing societies, including China, Japan, South Korea and Europe, may face limits on economic growth unless they adopt adaptive strategies such as greater automation and flexible immigration policies. Rapid ageing in OECD countries is putting pressure on pensions, health services, long-term care and public finances, while global growth raises needs for food, housing and energy. The report lists employment, social cohesion, services for older people and research systems among the areas most affected.