Emerging Grand Challenges and Megatrends for the Future of Europe

Megatrends are cross-sectional and lasting developments creating grand challenges. This study investigates the interlinkages of 14 megatrends and their consequences using cross-impact and emerging issues analyses. The results map out interlinkages and long-term implications for Europe’s future, underscoring the importance of involving broader perspectives in policy making to uncover wider issues. This study contributes to defining grand challenges and connecting futures studies with socio-technical transitions literature. Results discuss the advent of eco-awareness as a megatrend, and it identifies five emerging challenge areas. Further research is essential for a more comprehensive understanding of these intersections.