These 18 Industries Could Reshape the Global Economy by 2040

Marcus Lu
2025-05-07 10:44:00
www.visualcapitalist.com

These 18 Industries Could Reshape the Global Economy by 2040

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As the world evolves, new industries are emerging as the key drivers of future economic growth. According to McKinsey Global Institute, there are 18 high-growth arenas—including AI, cybersecurity, biotech, and air mobility—which could generate up to $48 trillion in annual revenue by 2040.

In this graphic, we break down most transformative industries by 2040, offering a glimpse into the future economy.

Data & Discussion

The 18 industries shown in this graphic stand out for their rapid innovation, large investments, and expanding markets. Under a high scenario, McKinsey believes their share of global GDP could rise from 4% today, to 16% by 2040.

Industry	2022 Revenue ($B)	2040 Revenue ($B)	CAGR (%)
E-commerce	$4,000	$20,000	9%
AI Software & Services	$85	$4,600	25%
Cloud Services	$220	$3,400	17%
Electric Vehicles	$450	$3,200	12%
Digital Ads	$520	$2,900	10%
Semiconductors	$630	$2,400	8%
Autonomous Cars	–	$2,300	–
Space	$300	$1,600	10%
Cybersecurity	$160	$1,200	12%
Batteries	$98	$1,100	14%
Modular Construction	$180	$1,100	10%
Streaming Services	$160	$1,000	11%
Video Games	$230	$910	8%
Robotics	$21	$910	23%
Biotech	$140	$900	900%
Air Mobility	–	$340	–
Obesity Drugs	$24	$280	15%
Nuclear Fission	$18	$150	13%

Let’s take a closer look at some of these high-growth industries.

E-commerce

E-commerce revenues could quintuple from $4 trillion in 2022, to $20 trillion by 2040.

Much of this growth will occur in emerging markets, where regions like Southeast Asia and Africa are experiencing a surge in their consumer class populations.

Advancements in logistics and digital payments are also making online shopping more accessible and reliable in these areas.

AI Software & Services

AI software and services is one of the fastest growing industries in this dataset, propelled by massive investments in generative AI technologies.

In the U.S. alone, nearly $500 billion in private capital has been raised since 2013, with 6,956 new AI companies being founded.

Check out our 2025 AI Week Wrap Report to see all of our latest visuals breaking down the AI landscape.

Modular Construction

Modular construction involves prefabricating building components off-site and assembling them on-site.

A major benefit of this approach is automation. By moving production to a single facility, components could be manufactured quicker and cheaper. This could also address the lack of skilled labor that the construction industry often faces.

Obesity Drugs

While the majority of obesity drug demand is based in the U.S., the market for these innovative medicines is rising globally due to rising obesity rates.

McKinsey aren’t the only ones predicting a massive boom in this industry, either. In a 2023 analysis, Morgan Stanley predicted that the global obesity drug market would be worth $77 billion by 2030.

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