Policy Pathways for the New Economy Shaping Economic Policyin the Fourth Industrial Revolution

This white paper is the outcome of a set of international, multi-stakeholder dialogues organized by the World Economic Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of the New Economy and Society under the umbrella of the Second Dialogue Series on New Economic Frontiers. The First Dialogue Series was convened between September 2018 and January 2019 (https://www.weforum.org/whitepapers/dialogue-series-on-new-economic-and-social-frontiers-shaping-the-new-economy-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution). This second series engages the Platform’s Global Future Councils on the New Economic Agenda and the New Social Contract, representing views from business, government, civil society and the research community. It identifies some of the most urgent challenges at the intersection of globalization, technology, economics and society, and explores a range of potential interventions to address them. As opposed to the First Dialogue Series, which considered a broad range of public- and private-sector led solutions, this Series focuses entirely on interventions in the public policy space, in the areas of labour, innovation and tax policy. As a key output of the learning created, this white paper draws upon discussion contributions by leaders and experts who engaged in the Dialogue through a series of virtual calls between May and August 2019. It also includes the latest thinking from international organizations, academic researchers, think tanks, businesses and other stakeholders. It aims to develop consensus towards a common narrative on the new economic and social context and objectively identify emerging response options for policy makers. The white paper is intended to be a resource for governments, business and other stakeholders interested in furthering economic and social progress in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.