In our article on World Trends in 2030, we will shed light on the numerous changes we will face in the next decade. The long-term transformations ahead will bring many uncertainties for us. Coping with the uncertainty presented by the future will likely become the greatest challenge of the next 10 years. This is because the possibility of changes triggering each other and combining to generate new transformations is much greater than in the pre-globalization era. These changes will play a crucial role not only in businesses but also in the existence of humanity.
In a period where so many changes will occur, we will constantly ask ourselves the following questions over the next 10 years:
- Are there enough resources and space to support population growth worldwide?
- How much can the world sustain consumption at 1.6 times its capacity?
- Can we repair the damage we have caused to the Earth?
- How can we ensure that people stay in their regions?
- Will advancing technology bring an end to salaried jobs?
- Is a better world possible through the education and employment of women?
- Will technological development be sufficient for all our problems?
- Is it possible to increase the efficiency of solar energy?
- Will retirement always be linked to age?
- Have health expenditures reached their limit?
- Will the Silk Road comeback?
So, in the context of world trends in 2030, what changes are we almost certain to face?
Population growth will continue unevenly!
The global population will continue to increase in the next 10 years, both in our country and worldwide. This increase will continue unevenly. Particularly, countries without population planning, such as India, African countries, and Middle Eastern countries, will show significant growth, while in Europe, America, and China, population density will decrease, accompanied by a significant increase in the average age. In countries with young and dense populations, especially the middle income group will become stronger, purchasing power will begin to shift towards these regions and new potential markets will emerge.
Difficulty in Sourcing Resources in Production!
In the coming period, competition will revolve around resources rather than finding new markets or customers. The speed of consumption will exert significant pressure on limited resources. Being close to resources will become the most important competitive advantage for businesses rather than being close to markets. If the supply of resources cannot meet the increasing demand, resource costs will begin to rise. Businesses will face processes such as the search for alternative sources and the obligation of recycling as vital resources like copper and lithium begin to deplete.
Job Opportunities will Shrink with Advancing Technology!
Technological advancements, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, dark factories, and fully automated production will eliminate certain jobs. However, this situation will also lead to the emergence of new jobs. As production and routine jobs gradually give way to automation and robots, elements such as software, data analytics, and artificial intelligence will become even more critical for businesses. Blue-collar workforce will slowly shift towards the service sector, where human interaction is essential, turning it into a social entity. Additionally, the wealth created by machines and the time saved in human life will play a significant role in the development of creative industries.
Extended Life Expectancy!
Increased average life expectancy, raising the retirement age, the compression of career stages in this context, the increase in the average age of businesses, and conflicts arising from generational differences will be challenges faced.
China’s Economic Power will Increase Further!
China, through its investments in African markets, turning the investments it attracted over the years into the promotion of its own brands globally, and strengthening the middle class resulting from the economic cycle of its dense population, will dominate in many different sectors.
The New China will be Africa!
Due to factors such as the economic cycle in China no longer making its workforce cheap, emerging local competitors in China, and the increasing need for resource supply, Africa, which has remained largely untouched, will become the future China. After completing democratization processes and infrastructure deficiencies, Africa, with almost global connectivity from a logistical perspective, will rise even faster.
