According to estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global foreign direct investment (FDI) volumes declined by 11% in 2023–2024, reaching USD 1.5 trillion. Worsening economic forecasts, rising trade barriers, and increasing geopolitical tensions are the main factors affecting investor sentiment. The lowest figures were recorded in Europe (-58%) and in Latin America and the Caribbean (-12%). In contrast, FDI inflows to Africa reached record levels (+75%). The top destinations for foreign investment were the United States (USD 279 billion), Singapore (USD 143 billion), and Hong Kong (USD 126 billion). The main sources of outbound investment were the United States (USD 266 billion), Japan (USD 204 billion), and China (USD 163 billion). Among the most rapidly growing sectors is the digital economy, which saw a 14% increase in FDI. However, investment flows remain highly concentrated, with over 80% of projects located in just 10 countries. UNCTAD calls for coordinated international efforts to address financial imbalances, emphasizing the role of multilateral development banks and public-private partnerships in mobilizing capital and reducing risks.

The list includes new composite materials for batteries, osmotic power, and small modular nuclear reactors. Among medical innovations are GLP-1 drugs, living therapeutic organisms, nanoenzymes, and autonomous biosensors. In agriculture, green nitrogen-fixation technologies that reduce the carbon footprint are highlighted. The digital category features sensor networks for data analysis and watermarking for generative AI.

In 2022–2023, the customer base of industry companies grew by 37%, while revenues increased by 40%. However, a series of crises exposed the sector’s vulnerabilities: excessive dependence on venture capital, weak digital security, and inadequate regulation. In the near term, the World Economic Forum projects active adoption of AI-based software solutions and deeper integration with traditional financial institutions. The World Economic Forum calls for a shift from fragmented solutions to systemic, sustainable development of fintech as a driver of economic and social transformation.

By 2050, the ratio of people aged 65 and older to the working-age population (15–64) in the region will increase from 28% to 43%. Population ageing and declining birth rates will reduce the labor force by 10 million people and place greater pressure on social systems. To mitigate these negative effects, the ILO recommends boosting employment among the most vulnerable groups—women, youth, older workers, migrants, and persons with disabilities.

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) analyzed the progress of 325 projects included in the Eurasian Transport Framework, with a total investment volume of USD 234.1 billion. More than 60% of the projects are under implementation, 12.8% are at the project documentation stage, and 27.2% are in the planning stage. The majority are concentrated in the road sector (51.9%), while in country terms, Russia accounts for 48.5% of the projects. The most capital-intensive initiative is the creation of the Northern Eurasian Corridor, valued at USD 78 billion.