McKinsey Global Institute: 2024 in charts

In 2024, MGI delved into the defining components of the new era sweeping our world. We analyzed the changing geometry of global trade and provided a reality check on the physical challenges of the energy transition. We examined global productivity growth, the imperative to raise investment, and opportunities to close the productivity gap between large and small businesses. We also explored the evolving future of work, the race to deploy AI and adjust skills, and the challenges of tight labor markets. Building on our research on economic empowerment, we mapped out a broad “affordability agenda” that could alleviate some of the burden for low-income households. Finally, we identified 18 industries likely to become arenas of competition that drive economies, well-being, and prosperity around the globe. The following data visualizations, grouped into our five core research themes, encapsulate some of our key findings over the past year.

Global connections

Exploring how flows of goods, services, people, capital, and ideas shape economies

Resources of the world

Building, powering, and feeding the world sustainably

Productivity and prosperity

Creating and harnessing the world’s assets most productively

Human potential

Maximizing and achieving the potential of human talent

Technology and markets of the future

Exploring the next big arenas of value and competition