Companies globally conducted a new survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The survey indicated that due to a significant slowdown in global cooperation, the global economy will be much more difficult for companies to navigate as they move forward into 2025 than it was in 2024. Examples of this global cooperation decline include reduced trade, technology development, and climate change, along with creating safer places for people to live and work.
The survey results were published prior to the WEF’s annual meeting this January 2023 in Davos, Switzerland, as part of the Global Cooperation Barometer 2026 report.
World Economic Forum Survey Shows Rising Business Pressure
A total of 799 business executives participated in the online survey across 81 countries. Of these 799 respondents, approximately 43% believed that in 2025 it would be harder to conduct business than it was in 2024. Seven per cent indicated they thought that things would be better, while the balance of respondents either felt things were going to remain unchanged or were uncertain about their response and did not wish to share their views.
Most executives cited increasing obstacles to global trade and the movement of talent and investments across borders as contributing to the increased complexity and cost associated with their businesses; almost 40% of executives reported that the added complexities and costs resulting from these challenges were significant.
Trade Tensions and Tariffs Added Uncertainty
The WEF report also highlighted that U.S. tariff announcements in 2025 raised serious concerns about the future of global trade. Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs in April 2025, putting pressure on global supply chains. Although several tariffs were later reduced through trade deals, the uncertainty caused businesses to rethink their strategies.
Interestingly, six out of ten executives did not list trade as a major issue. This suggests that many companies have adjusted their plans to handle changing trade conditions.
Cooperation on Security and Climate Slows
The survey showed that global cooperation on peace and security weakened further in 2025. About 42% of executives believed cooperation declined, while only 13% saw improvement. Climate and natural resource collaboration also faced challenges, with 29% saying it became harder.
Despite this, there was some positive news. Investment in renewable energy rose nearly 10% in the first half of 2025, and solar and wind capacity increased sharply, showing progress in clean energy efforts.
Experts More Concerned Than Executives
A separate WEF poll conducted in September among Global Future Council members showed deeper concern. About 85% of experts believed global cooperation had declined, a much higher number than among business leaders.