Some of the global trends likely to affect Ireland over the coming years will present opportunities while others will buffet our shores like Atlantic storms and have the potential to be quite disruptive if not managed effectively. The Academy has identified a number of so-called “megatrends”, i.e. trends that have an effect on a global scale, for further examination. The trends identified are global in nature and are likely to play a significant role in shaping employment and society in Ireland in the period to 2040 and beyond.