Summary

The new report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) focuses on the logic of modern technology-driven investment booms and the likely next waves over the 20-year horizon. The study emphasizes that investment waves often accelerate the emergence of new industries. Following peaks of interest in digitalization in 2021, the ESG agenda in 2023, and artificial intelligence in 2025, the next likely areas may include biotechnology and longevity, robotics and autonomous systems, the space economy, virtual reality, energy storage, and climate adaptation. The authors also note that investment in “long and healthy life” could become one of the policy responses to structural challenges in the labour market.