Who is attending?
Join unique cross-sector conversation of Nobel Laureates, C-Suite Executives of Multinational Corporations, and Swiss leaders
Science as a Growth Engine
A 45‑minute, joint panel by WEF and GESDA
turning insights of 2,400+ scientists’ for 5, 10 and
25
years
into concrete actions for policymakers, CEOs and foundation chairs
To attend in person register via TopLink/ForumLive
Access to white badge holders only
About this session
Innovation begins with fundamental science
Public funding for science is declining for the first time in two decades. Today’s key technologies such as biotech, digital infrastructure, clean energy, and AI, exist because of decades public research investment, not short innovation cycles. To restore strong economic growth, we must treat science as a strategic asset, with stronger collaboration between public and private sectors and clearer paths from discovery to real‑world value for society and business at large.
Why this session matters?
Gain early visibility on opportunities and disruptions that will redefine business models, talent needs, and competitive landscapes
What you will learn?
Prepare policy and diplomatic positions before crises emerge, not after, and learn to act on it together in an inclusive and ethical way
Who is in the session
Meet the practitioners who shape policy and business
Daren Tang
Director General ·
WIPO
Martina Hirayama
State Secretary ·
SERI, Switzerland
Benjamine Liu
Chief Executive Officer ·
Formation Bio
Sarah Reisinger
Chief Science & Research Officer ·
DSM-Firmenich
Marilyne Andersen (moderator)
Director General ·
GESDA
The intelligence behind the conversation
GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar®
The session is informed by GESDA’s anticipatory insight on upcoming scientific and technological breakthroughs with major social impact and strategic relevance.
Science-informed insights
The GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar® provides an overview of science trends and breakthrough predictions at 5, 10 and 25 years in 42 science and technology emerging topics, a synthesis of the related fundamental debates and actions in society, and an exploration of opportunities for concerted action through initial contributions on the implications for international affairs, global challenges, and the SDGs.
The Radar helps leaders to:
- detect weak signals early,
- interpret their strategic significance, and
- align national, corporate and philanthropic agendas with credible frontier-science outlooks.
The Radar has already supported key multilateral processes in International Geneva, from a neurotechnology resolution at the Human Rights Council, to the biosecurity implications of synthetic biology, or the applications of quantum algorithms to support the SDGs through the Open Quantum Institute, hosted at CERN.
What's next?
Session details and registration
- Session title
- Science as a Growth Engine
- Venue
- World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, Davos-Klosters
- Date
- Tuesday, 20 January 2026
- Time
- 15:00 - 15:45 AM (45 min)
- Location
- WEF Davos Congress Centre – Spotlight (Zone B)
- Format
- High-level panel and moderated dialogue among science, government, business and philanthropy leaders
- Host
- WEF & Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA)
Access to white badge holders only. Register to attend the session via TopLink/ForumLive