The development of the infrastructure required to foster entrepreneurship and innovation is considered key to creating jobs and developing a vibrant middle class that is productive and competitive. In this context, WSIE participants engaged in an open discussion of the opportunities surrounding infrastructure development. 

Human capital is unquestionably the dominant factor in the development of any nation. Social inclusion through innovation and improved science and technology education for all plays a strategic role in 1) enhancing the quality of living for future generations, 2) strengthening cross-cultural collaboration among innovation networks, 3) realizing the opportunities inherent in making women, youth and other excluded groups the major beneficiaries of the Innovation Society, and 4) avoiding the creation of the “innovation underclass”. In this context, this theme closed with WSIE participants highlighting key insights and supporting broad action areas on how nations can reach stronger cooperative heights. 

The demand for oil and natural gas are increasing greatly yet production and refining capacity has its limits. It has become vital to work toward creating fuel alternatives and a healthy future for succeeding generations that is in alignment with the natural systems of the planet, its biodiversity and its ecological integrity. The sessions under this theme explored the vision of sustainable communities, including ways to develop innovation policies and initiatives that promote products that use natural resources efficiently.

Geopolitics is one of the most dominant factors that influence innovation and the economic and social development of nations. While the impact of these factors can be positive and present nations with strategic opportunities, such as productivity and job creation, WSIE participants identified significant geopolitical factors that currently present barriers to building the Innovation Society. 

The strategic commitment of key industrial and exports-led nations to transform their economies into consumer-based knowledge economies presents profound opportunities for the global public/ private sectors to adopt fresh approaches to the development of new institutional models and the liberalization of growth sectors to drive sustainable prosperity for diverse populations. 

Over the coming decade, disruptive innovations in the Internet, ICT, robotics, health care, consumer services, as well as nano and biotechnology will exceed the productivity and profitability gains already achieved by governments and enterprises in the past 30 years. The sessions under this theme focused on helping leaders who must confront big decisions each year to stay on top of disruptive trends.