The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that, despite the best laid plans, the truth is that the future likes to surprise us. The scramble to close schools and shift to online education as COVID-19 spread across the globe was a natural reaction to a crisis, and there are innumerable examples of individuals going above and beyond to ensure the continuity of education even in the most remote regions.

The world is witnessing a growing disconnect between the economic growth imperative and our planet’s finite resources; between the increased affluence of some and the well-being of many. Rapid technological change may not help pressing social needs, and despite rising connectivity, many feel lonely and voiceless.

What impact will climate change have on our educational institutions in the next decade? Are our research and innovation systems prepared for an era of global, open and internet intensive science? What does it mean for schools that our societies are becoming more individualistic and diverse?

Economic growth has raised the living standards of many, but social and environmental sustainability remain a challenge. Education can foster adaptability in a changing global economy and encourage reflection on the type of future we want to build. This chapter explores these issues through five themes: Growing prosperity: highlights how economic growth has improved living standards and reduced extreme poverty. A new source of growth: presents a new driver of economic growth: investment in intangible assets. Demographic pressures: examines the pressures of population ageing on fiscal and social sustainability. A growth revolution?: contrasts the shift towards renewable energy with increasing energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. To infinity and beyond: illustrates the potential benefits and challenges of the growing space economy. These trends are linked to education and its future through a series of questions and scenarios. Potential implications of COVID-19, both immediate- and longer-term, are discussed.

Our everyday lives are changing, both at work and at home. Education can continue to help us grow personally and professionally. But what future do we see for ourselves and our communities? This chapter explores these issues through five themes: Work to live or live to work?: looks at trends in working hours and time off work. New employment for a new age?: examines the rise of non-standard forms of work, such as temporary employment and digital freelancing. The quantification of life: explores how we relate to ourselves and others through digital tracking and relationships.21st century families: illustrates changes in family structures and the evolving distribution of reproductive and caring tasks at home. Quality of life: examines our quality of life through personal safety and housing conditions. These trends are linked to education and its future through a series of questions and scenarios. Potential implications of COVID-19, both immediate- and longer-term, are discussed.

Scientific progress and research help us make decisions and solve problems, but they can also introduce new uncertainties. Education equips people with knowledge and helps reinforce the values and skills needed to make it meaningful in their own contexts. This chapter explores these issues through five themes: Knowledge societies: explores the expansion of knowledge production, distribution and use. Are the data too big to fail?: looks at Artificial Intelligence and data-driven decision making. Opening up science: highlights emerging forms of scientific production and dissemination. Knowledge governance: illustrates the expansion of research and how governments shape and promote it. Speaking truth to power: examines the role of expert and lay knowledge in current democracies. These trends are linked to education and its future through a series of questions and scenarios. Potential implications of COVID-19, both immediate- and longer-term, are discussed.

In a global and digital world, the binding power of old institutions is declining while new identities and ways of belonging are emerging. Education can help support the needs of diverse learners and their communities while cultivating global competences. This chapter explores these issues through five themes: You can go your own way: examines the decline of traditional institutions and rise of individualism. It’s a small world after all: looks at diversification within nations and multilateral cooperation. Speak your mind: highlights changing patterns of civic and political engagement. All for one and one for all: shows how LGBTI+ and disability rights and opportunities are evolving. The many profiles of us: examines the role of digital platforms in identity and community formation. These trends are linked to education and its future through a series of questions and scenarios. Potential implications of COVID-19, both immediate- and longer-term, are discussed.

Our connection to the natural world has profoundly evolved throughout history. Education can play a key role in helping us nurture healthy and sustainable relationships with ourselves and our surroundings. This chapter explores these issues through five themes: There is no Planet B: highlights the unsustainable pace at which we are consuming natural resources. The natural world: explores efforts to protect natural ecosystems in the face of an increasingly urban population. Food for thought: discusses trends in food production and consumption. Our human body: examines progress in medicine and human enhancement technologies. No one lives in cyberspace: highlights the growth of digital communication and reality, but reminds us that a hug emoji is not the same as a hug. These trends are linked to education and its future through a series of questions and scenarios. Potential implications of COVID-19, both immediate- and longer-term, are discussed.