Global Scans · Decent Work and Growth · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] In 2026, teaching will likely become more varied, with instructors redesigning their syllabi to reduce overreliance on AI-generated work. Aralia Education
• [New] On the demand side, Asia's industry and power sector keep expanding, with 7% growth in 2026 led by China and India, while Europe's heating and energy security needs sustain imports through 2030. Adipec
• [New] Prior forecasts, including the 2026 Global Investment Outlook by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), projected the UAE to lead regional growth with real GDP expansion of around 5.6%, supported by diversification initiatives and sustained investment activity. Masdarcityfreezone.com
• [New] While wider European GDP growth is forecast to reach just 1% in 2026 amid continued inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, Travel & Tourism GDP across Europe is expected to grow by 3.6%, nearly four times faster. Hospitality Net
• [New] German 2026 GDP growth is now projected at 0.5% from 1.0%; 2027 cut to 0.9% from 1.3%. The Rio Times
• [New] Berlin halved its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 0.5% from 1.0% projected in January, and cut the 2027 forecast to 0.9% from 1.3%, per Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. The Rio Times
• [New] The central question facing the UK economy is whether growth can accelerate without creating new inflationary risks. Kalkine
• [New] Slowing growth in China and uncertainty across European markets are creating additional risks for British exports and Manufacturing activity. Kalkine
• [New] 2026 will determine whether the UK economy can truly escape the cycle of slow growth that has dominated recent years. Kalkine
• [New] Education vertical SaaS shines in 2026 for vocational niches like skilled trades or corporate upskilling, projected to grow 20% as remote work evolves. Appscrip
• [New] Mental health SaaS tailored for workplaces is surging, forecasted at 25% growth in 2026 as burnout rises. Appscrip
• [New] Lack of dormant precipitation and dry spring soil are strong indicators that forage growth will be delayed for the 2026 grazing season. SDSU Extension
• [New] Industrial decarbonization and green fuel investments drive hydrogen production applications to experience their fastest growth rate through 2035. Transpire Insight
• [New] By 2026, most organizations in the USA will have optimized their hybrid and remote work models, focusing on equity, inclusion, and effective collaboration across distributed teams. worxmate.ai
• [New] In 2026 we expect greater work on bridging the valley of death from innovation to full commercial scale. International Multispeciality Journal of Health
• [New] The Takaichi Cabinet will vigorously pursue economic growth to the maximum extent in order to thoroughly strengthen the national strength of Japan. Prime Minister's Office of Japan
• [New] With no signs of slowing down, AI-driven spending will likely continue to do the heavy lifting for S&P 500 earnings growth, led by the technology sector. RTI Wealth Management
• [New] J.P. Morgan expects global growth to hold steady, helped along by heavy AI capital expenditure. Windsor Drake | Sell-Side M&A Advisory
• [New] Germany is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR, mainly driven by the strong presence of the organized retail sector, rapid e-commerce growth, high consumer purchasing power, and stringent sustainability standards. Precedence Research
• [New] Cities are the engine of global economic growth and offer greater economic opportunities, diversity in jobs, and more extensive infrastructure than rural areas. Atlas of Global Development

Last updated: 17 May 2026