Future Scenario 2040:Shaping Horizons of Uncertainty

Envisioning pathways for co-innovation​

　The Future Co-creation Initiative by YOKOGAWA has published the white paper "Future Scenario 2040: Shaping Horizons of Uncertainty", making it available as a dialogue tool for companies and organizations working to address social challenges. The Future Co-creation Initiative is a cross-organizational virtual team that reports directly to the president. It is dedicated to adapting to rapidly evolving external environments, embodying Yokogawa’s Purpose—"Utilizing our ability to measure and connect, we fulfill our responsibilities for the future of our planet." fostering co-creative networks, creating value to deal with social issues, and developing the next-generation of leaders.
　 Building on the success of its first white paper, "Future Scenario 2035: A Journey Through Time," published in 2022, the "Future Scenario 2040" expands its scope beyond the traditional B2B domain to include B2C perspectives, encompassing consumers and society as a whole. Using the scenario planning methodology, this study integrates insights from diverse domains—including society, technology, economy, environment, politics, and industry—to identify "megatrends" (fundamental changes that will undoubtedly occur in the future) and "scenario drivers" (two critical uncertainties shaping the future). These elements are then combined to present four distinct future scenarios in 2040.
　 Furthermore, to promote practical knowledge-sharing and framework development for industry-government-academia collaboration, YOKOGAWA has received invaluable support from the Waseda University Institute for Governance & Sustainability. The institute has been a key partner in fostering next-generation leadership and establishing learning communities to drive social and industrial innovation, maintaining an ongoing collaborative relationship with YOKOGAWA. Additionally, Everest Group's foresight and in-depth global research have further enhanced the accuracy and real-world relevance of this study.
　 By exploring accelerating megatrends, advancements in transformative technologies such as generative AI and synthetic biology, and concerns about the global environment, we hope Future Scenario 2040 renews dialogue across industries, the public sector, and academia.

For further information, download the white paper at the top of the page.