可持续发展的未来：驾驭趋势与创新，迈向可续明日

Navigating trendsand innovations fora sustainable tomorrow Michael Hanf (2025), The future of sustainability - Navigatingtrends and innovations for a sustainable tomorrow,VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland. Author:Michael Hanf Contributors:Maria Akerman, Sajad Ashouri, Arash Hajikhani,Kalle Kantola, Tiina Koljonen, Sofi Kurki, Annu Markkula,Maaria Nuutinen, Hanna Pihkola, Antti-Jussi Tahvanainen,Nina Wessberg For enquiries, please contact the author, Michael Hanf,at michael.hanf@vtt.fi © VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 2025 The future of sustainability:Navigating trends and innovationsfor a sustainable tomorrow 0/Executive summary5Methodology & approach5The perfect storm5Key findings & strategic recommendations6 1/Introduction7Purpose and scope7Methodology8Structure of the report9 2/The big picture: The future of sustainability11 The convergence of forces14Navigating the storm15Turning challenges into opportunities15Preparing for the future16 4/Sustainability megatrends17 Decarbonisation of the global economy18The rise of circular economies21Sustainable urbanisation and resilient infrastructure25The emergence of a sustainability-centric economic model28Sustainable food systems and consumption32 Overview35Economic trends in sustainability36Environmental trends in sustainability43Technological trends in sustainability50Societal trends in sustainability59 6/Conclusion: Navigating the future of sustainability66 The challenge of a radically changing landscape66The path forward: Strategic clarity and action66A call to action for all67Closing thoughts67 Appendices68 Appendix 1: How to read the sustainability trend radar69Appendix 2: Methodology: Identification emerging trends insustainability using LLMs72Appendix 3: References73 0/Executive summary TheFuture of sustainability reportprovides a comprehensive analysis of theevolving landscape of sustainability. The study aims to forecast key trends andinnovations that will shape the future, offering actionable insights and strategicrecommendations for businesses, policymakers, and researchers. Methodology & approach Trend analysis:The report identifies 87 sustainability trends across four di-mensions: societal (16), technological (26), environmental (21), and economic(24). These trends are examined over three timeframes: short- (now–2030),mid- (2030–2040), and long-term (2040 and beyond). Methodology:A multi-faceted approach was employed, including literaturereviews, expert interviews, and the use of advanced Large Language Models(LLMs). Trend Radar:The development of a trend radar maps out key trends, pro-viding a visual and analytical guide for stakeholders to navigate the future ofsustainability. The perfect storm Companies are facing aperfect storm of sustainability trends, driven byrapid technological advancements, shifting regulatory landscapes, evolvingconsumer expectations, and intensifying environmental challenges. From therise of circular economy models and the integration of renewable energy to thetransformative impacts of AI governance, quantum computing, and advancedrecycling technologies, the sheer breadth and pace of change are unprece-dented. Navigating this storm requires businesses to not only understand theevolv-ing sustainability landscapebut also to critically assess which trends aremostrelevant and existentialto their operations, stakeholders, and long-termgoals. Given the reality oflimited resources, companies must prioritise effortsthat align with their core values and offer the greatest strategic impact. Byproactively identifying and addressing these critical trends, businesses canturn challenges into opportunities, securing resilience and competitive advan-tage in an increasingly sustainability-driven market. Key findings & strategicrecommendations Thefuture of sustainabilityreport offers a detailed, forward-looking analysisthat equips stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate thecomplexities of the modern world. By proactively embracing these trends andrecommendations, organisations can drive positive change and ensure long-term success in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. Note of caution:It is important to recognise that forward-looking predictionscan be uncertain and are based on our current best understanding. As such,these predictions should be interpreted with caution and flexibility to adapt tonew information and changing circumstances. 1/Introduction Purpose and scope The primary purpose of this study is to empower decision-makers with action-able insights into the evolving sustainability landscape, equipping them to ad-dress critical challenges and seize emerging opportunities. By identifying andanalysing key trends and innovations, this report aims to serve as a strategictool for policymakers, business leaders, and researchers. Our objective is toinspire meaningful action, encourage informed decision-making, and provideclear pathways for