The Next Wave of Growth
The most recent World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund forecasts that growth of the world economy will slow to 3.7% in 2008 versus 4.9% in 2007. While over 50% of global GDP is generated by the G7 industrialized economies, and despite a looming recession in the United States, the good news is that robust growth is occurring elsewhere in the world, driven by industries outside of the battered financial sector.

The Annual Meeting of the New Champions provides a unique platform for those seeking new opportunities to come together to shape and define an agenda of growth with fresh ideas, innovative business models and new technologies, regardless of prevailing macroeconomic conditions.

At the forefront of this next wave of growth will be the Forum’s Community of Global Growth Companies, a new breed of high-growth enterprises that are by definition global in outlook. A survey of CEOs from these companies, conducted jointly with the Harvard Business Review, revealed that they are focusing more attention overseas than on their domestic market. These New Champions are looking to engage with the most dynamic cities and regions associated with the innovations and technologies that will reshape the future business landscape. Joining them in Tianjin will be a select group of mayors and governors, technology pioneers, young scientists and policy-makers from countries with outstanding growth potential.

Learn about Tianjin (video).