Digital Economy Trends 2026
December 25 | Report | Third edition
The digital economy now defines how people live, work, and connect...but navigating it requires clear, up-to-date insight
The Digital Economy Trends 2026 report highlights
18 forces shaping the next era, across three themes:
This year, the shift is unmistakeable: from simply expanding access to strengthening
the capacity, agency, and resilience of individuals and nations.
Stakeholders should prioritize:
Key findings from the DET 2026 report
How will digital economy trends shape the global economy?
Over the next 3–5 years, experts expect digital goods and services to become more accessible and affordable. However, advances in AI could be concentrated among a few large companies, widening the gap between returns to capital and labor.
Which digital economy trends will drive the greatest socio-economic impact across regions, and how does this compare with each region’s readiness?
Across regions, respondents broadly agree that strengthening end-to-end cybersecurity is the trend with the greatest potential for impact. Encouragingly, three out of five regions also record their highest readiness score in this area.
Which digital economy trends are expected to have the biggest positive economic, social, and environmental impact in the next 12-18 months?
Embedding intelligent systems in daily life, and expanding digital trade, are among the trends creating new opportunities to reduce economic, social, and environmental costs – but as systems become more deeply interconnected, realizing these opportunities depends on resilience and trust.
What is the expected impact of digital economy trends on private sector employment?
More experts foresee digital economy trends expanding than reducing employment, though 60% expect no more than a slight effect either way. On average, survey respondents expect company headcounts to increase by 2.4% in the next 12-18 months.
Which industries are most likely to benefit from the digital economy?
Survey respondents identified healthcare and life sciences as the sector most likely to benefit, followed by automotive and transportation. The results show how digital economy trends are increasingly reaching into the wider economy, beyond the technology sector itself.
How prepared are stakeholders for the advent of digital economy trends?
Preparedness is highest in the private sector, according to DET survey respondents: 94% believe that private sector stakeholders are prepared for digital economy trends, compared to 70% for the public sector and just 43% for societies and individuals.
Read the Digital Economy Trends 2026 report
Explore the full insights and analysis of the 2026 research.