Megatrends and regions: a case study of the English Midlands

Megatrends have been thrust into focus in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions between major global powers and the escalating impacts of climate change. The consequences of megatrends are felt heterogeneously across regions due to their differing social, physical and natural capital. This article outlines key megatrends and uses interviews with key stakeholders in the English Midlands to gain insights into how megatrends are unfolding across the region and their implications. The research provides an updated view of global megatrends and their importance and impact at a regional scale. The article finds that: (i) there is considerable appetite for discussion of megatrends amongst key stakeholders; (ii) that how megatrends interact at the place, sector and firm level matters for regions; and (iii) policy debates are better informed through a megatrends framing and when addressed in a form that breaks down policy silos.