1. Definition of Megatrend

According to Frost and Sullivan, a megatrend is a large, social, economic, political, environmental or technological change that is slow to form.  Once in place, megatrends influence a wide range of activities, processes and perceptions, both in government and in society, possibly for decades.  They are the underlying forces that drive trends. (i.e. aging population) 

A trend is an emerging pattern of change likely to impact state government and require a response. (i.e. adult children taking care of parents)

• Does it impact the states?  

• Is it significant? Is it broad-based?  Is it national or regional in scope?

• Is it short-term or long-term?

• Is it measurable/ trackable/ observable?

• Is it actionable? Is there an innovative response to address new circumstances?

In the other way, Mega Trends are global, sustained and macroeconomic forces of development that impact business, economy, society, cultures and personal lives, thereby defining our future world and its increasing pace of change.

These Mega Trends set the stage for visionary thinking by identifying the most important global macro forces, potential scenarios of specific trends in 2020, and the implications of these Mega Trends in transforming society, markets and cultures.