These 13 charts show what the world really thinks about Globalization 4.0

The rise of populism, nationalism and protectionism are all associated with waning support for globalization, but a new poll for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2019 shows high levels of support worldwide for international collaboration, immigration, and the personal benefits from globalization.

The survey, conducted in January by polling firm Qualtrics, was taken by more than 10,000 people in 29 countries who answered questions about globalization 4.0, including the impact of technology, the future of work, education, and social mobility. These are the main findings:

1. Countries should help one another

Concerns about the rise of nationalism and isolationism dominate the global political agenda. But the survey suggests there’s a bedrock of support for international collaboration with majorities in every region agreeing that countries should help one another. That sentiment is particularly strong in South and East Asia and in sub-Saharan Africa.

2. Immigration is a net positive

Immigration is an emotive subject in many countries. But majorities view migration as positive in all regions except Europe. Support is particularly strong in South Asia and North America.

3. We're all in it together

Respondents were asked whether other countries should be considered competitors or collaborative partners when it comes to development. There were overwhelming majorities for the collaborative view with Latin America, South Asia and North America notably strong.

4. International cooperation is beneficial to me

Taking the idea of global cooperation a step further, respondents were asked whether things improved for them as individuals when their leaders collaborated with those of other countries. Big majorities everywhere think collaborative leadership leads to better personal outcomes.

5. Ambivalence over whether technology is changing lives for the better

Technical change is driving much of the disruption affecting citizens around the world. When asked whether new technology was a force for good, those who agreed far outnumbered those who disagreed. But the most popular response in all regions was one of ambivalence.

6. Workers aren’t expecting the robots to take over any time soon

Much of the debate around Globalization 4.0 centres on the accelerating change new technology will bring to the workplace. But workers outside South Asia aren’t expecting to be replaced by the bots any time soon.

7. Governments need to pay more attention to education

In all regions, citizens think their education systems are leaving too many behind in the Globalization 4.0 challenge in all regions.

8. We've got a problem with social mobility

Outside South Asia, there are concerns about social mobility - defined as the likelihood that someone born poor might become rich. Such concerns are particularly acute in Europe and Latin America.

In general, social mobility is perceived to be more of a concern in the developed world.

9. Governments need to do more to create opportunities for all

The benefits of globalization won't spread to everyone unless the right government policies are in force. Here the clear message from the survey is that more action is required.

For the full set of findings see here.