Reimagining Growth and Entrepreneurship for a New Era
In the face of global uncertainty and technological upheaval, more than 1,700 global leaders convened in Tianjin, China, for the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025. Under the banner of “Entrepreneurship for a New Era,” the event served as a melting pot for ideas, innovation, and international cooperation. It was far more than a high-level summit — it was a call to action.
The gathering, curated by the World Economic Forum, brought together a rich tapestry of voices from government, business, academia, international organisations, and civil society. Together, they navigated the complex geoeconomic terrain, forged fresh partnerships, and exchanged bold visions on harnessing emerging technologies and entrepreneurial dynamism.
Economic Transformation and Tech-Driven Growth
The spotlight was firmly on deciphering the state of the world economy and unlocking new paths to resilience. The Forum’s Chief Economists Outlook underscored a familiar yet unsettling scenario: productivity stagnation, policy uncertainty, and trade tensions. However, many believed that innovation holds the keys to growth.
“Entrepreneurship and innovation are no longer optional — they’re essential for survival,” noted one participant.
AI, automation, and digital platforms dominated the conversations. Yet, concerns about AI-driven misinformation and societal instability tempered the enthusiasm. Leaders urged a balanced approach, one that accelerates digital transformation without neglecting ethics and inclusivity.
Asian economies, especially China, Vietnam, and Singapore, stood out as beacons of opportunity. Over 70 high-level figures from ASEAN and China explored avenues for cross-regional collaboration. At the same time, delegates from Europe, the US, and the Middle East discussed mitigating trade turbulence and seeking practical frameworks for global cooperation.
From Factory to Innovation Powerhouse
China’s economic trajectory drew intense interest, with its anticipated 30% contribution to global GDP growth in 2025 setting the tone. The country is shifting from an export-led model to one driven by technology, consumption, and clean energy.
Premier Li Qiang’s keynote championed multilateral dialogue and high-quality innovation, while officials unveiled China’s version of the Global Lighthouse Network. Discussions focused on China’s pivot to advanced manufacturing, AI, and green technologies — a bold recalibration of its industrial strategy.
“The world economy of tomorrow will not be a simple repetition of stories of the past,” said Premier Li.
Delegates were especially keen to understand the implications of China’s evolving domestic consumption trends, with far-reaching consequences for global trade and supply chains. The integration of the First Movers Coalition into China’s industrial ecosystem signalled stronger international alignment on sustainability goals.
Industries Disrupted and Reimagined
Few industries remain untouched by disruption, and this year’s meeting didn’t shy away from asking the tough questions. How can businesses stay ahead of the curve? What kind of skills will be in demand tomorrow?
Sessions revealed that agility, adaptability, and reskilling are non-negotiable. Talent shortages, outdated governance structures, and uneven AI readiness emerged as top concerns. Governments and enterprises alike face the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological shifts.
“In AI, skills can become outdated in three months,” warned Workera CEO Kian Katanforoosh.
The Forum’s Top 10 Emerging Technologies report shone a light on a new breed of innovations now ready for real-world deployment: from spatial AI and flying taxis to scalable quantum platforms. Meanwhile, a fresh cohort of Technology Pioneers and the debut of MINDS — a global AI governance community — marked a shift toward proactive leadership in frontier tech.
Investing in People and the Planet
One of the most urgent themes was the need to invest — not just in infrastructure or industries, but in people and the planet. The green transition and digital disruption are reshaping job markets at breakneck speed. Leaders explored ways to foster inclusive growth, support women in tech, and prepare youth for a future yet to be written.
Egypt’s Rania Al-Mashat summed it up perfectly: “If there is more inclusion, our economies will be able to move forward faster.”
Initiatives like Armenia’s Country Accelerator and the Forum’s Brain Economy Action Forum targeted social innovation, mental health, and youth re-engagement. On the environmental front, platforms like UpLink announced new challenges aimed at strengthening water resilience and supporting climate adaptation.
Stakeholders discussed alternative finance models and the urgency of scaling public-private partnerships to build sustainable infrastructure. The message was clear: collaboration is the engine of sustainability.
“We have to start to build viable partnerships among all stakeholders,” urged Professor Deliang Chen of Tsinghua University.
A New Energy Era
Energy and critical materials took centre stage in discussions on sustainability and competitiveness. China’s ambitious clean energy plans drew praise, with its efforts to develop a unified national power market seen as a bold move toward grid modernisation.
The Energy Transition Index, benchmarking 118 countries, showed promising momentum, though challenges persist. Energy security, financing, and access to innovation remain stumbling blocks, particularly in emerging economies.
Elizabeth Thurbon of the University of New South Wales offered a geopolitical lens: “China understands that the energy transition is a massive national security multiplier.”
Sessions explored how quantum tech, green hydrogen, and blended finance might tip the balance in favour of low-carbon growth. Stakeholders aligned on the need to democratise access to clean energy and develop inclusive policy frameworks.
A Forward-Looking Perspective
The 2025 Annual Meeting of the New Champions didn’t just analyse the status quo — it set the tone for a more entrepreneurial, inclusive, and tech-savvy future. Whether through high-impact partnerships, frontier technologies, or shared sustainability goals, the forum carved a path toward a more resilient global economy.
“Collectively I think we can make a difference,” said Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
At a time when fragmentation and polarisation threaten to upend progress, the message from Tianjin rang loud and clear: collaboration is the new currency, and entrepreneurship is the fuel.
