Panel discussion

Indigenous knowledge is becoming increasingly relevant in global trade, but often faces challenges such as appropriation and exclusion. While there's potential for economic growth, sustainability, and cultural preservation through trade that includes Indigenous perspectives, it requires addressing issues like access to markets, intellectual property protection, and ensuring Indigenous communities benefit directly from their knowledge and resources.

Education and talent development in the global market are driven by the rapid adoption of digital learning, the need to address skills gaps, and the increasing demand for continuous professional growth. Key trends include the rise of e-learning, virtual and hybrid learning models, personalized education powered by AI, and a focus on both technical and soft skills, including cross-cultural competency for global workforces. This dynamic landscape is transforming how individuals and organizations acquire new skills to remain competitive and drive innovation.

The global information technology (IT) market is a massive and rapidly evolving sector, driven by innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The worldwide IT services market alone was valued at $1.50 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $2.59 trillion by 2030, a CAGR of 9.4%. Overall IT spending is also forecast to increase.

Cottage industries connect to the global market through modern e-commerce platforms, which allow small producers to sell handmade and specialized goods worldwide, while also facing challenges from mass-produced goods. While historically linked to the putting-out system, the global market for cottage industries is now heavily influenced by online marketplaces and digital marketing, enabling artisans to reach new customers directly and preserve cultural crafts. Developing economies leverage these industries for employment and income, though they must adapt to compete and overcome challenges like limited scale and marketing reach.