Making the shift to sustainable and inclusive growth
Explore insights on the new era of growth—one that doesn’t treat growth and positive impact as opposing forces.
Accelerating sustainable and inclusive growth for all
McKinsey’s 2023 ESG report contains the latest insights and examples of how we’re tackling critical global challenges like accelerating decarbonization and building more inclusive economies, institutions, and workforces.
Featured Insights
Report
Toward action: A G20 agenda for sustainable and inclusive growth
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Achieving sustainable, inclusive growth across G20 economies will take decisive effort. This report offers metrics to prompt discussions at the B20 forum and move from aspirations toward action.
Executive Briefing
Insights to Impact: A weekly briefing on creating sustainable and inclusive growth
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McKinsey’s 2024 insights on sustainable, inclusive growth are collected in this archive of weekly digests.
Article
Seizing the momentum to build resilience for a future of sustainable inclusive growth
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The ‘resilience agenda,’ developed by the World Economic Forum with McKinsey & Company, is the first serious program to coordinate long-term solutions throughout our disrupted world.
Latest Themes
Sustainable investing | Green business building | The energy transition | Inclusive growth | Operations
Article
A new way to decarbonize buildings can lower emissions—profitably
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An AI-informed approach makes it faster, easier, and cheaper to decarbonize real estate. Here’s how.
Report
The role of public–private–philanthropic partnerships in driving climate and nature transitions
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Partnerships bringing together the public sector, the private sector, and philanthropies are increasingly emerging to address...
Article
Full throttle on net zero: Creating value in the face of uncertainty
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To thrive amid shocks to the net-zero economy, leaders are shifting strategies to position themselves to win when the skies clear...
Article
Cementing your lead: The cement industry in the net-zero transition
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Novel approaches and materials could help the cement industry transition to a decarbonized future. Moving forward, players with...
Article
Putting renewable energy within reach: Vietnam’s high-stakes pivot
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With conducive conditions, Vietnam’s renewable-energy development could increase exponentially to attract manufacturers...
Article
Toward net-zero emissions: Achieving Luxembourg’s sustainability ambitions
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Luxembourg can exceed EU carbon-emission-reduction goals by doubling-down on opportunities in key private sectors.
Article
Building food and agriculture businesses for a green future
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Many industry leaders expect significant disruption across the agriculture value chain over the next two years, resulting in...
Article
Accelerating the transition to net zero in life sciences
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The majority of the industry’s emissions are Scope 3. By working with suppliers, companies can achieve net zero with 60...
Interview
How feed supplements can reduce methane emissions in agriculture
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New products can help suppress the enzyme that combines hydrogen and CO2 to form methane. Increasing the adoption...
Report
Are Latin American financial institutions ready for sustainability?
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Financial institutions in Latin America are responding to similar forces that have put sustainability on the agendas of their...
Report
The agricultural transition: Building a sustainable future
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Sustainable farming is necessary for decarbonization. But to get the world to net zero, the agriculture sector must take action...
Article
Good, better, best: Railways are advancing their ESG agenda
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A comprehensive ESG strategy could help railway companies to advance their sustainability agendas—and address more than...
Article
Charting fuel choices as the shipping industry sails toward net zero
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Industry leaders know they must adopt new fuels in order to decarbonize. Is a multifuel future in store?
Article
Net-zero underwriting in P&C and the growth at stake
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P&C insurers need to position themselves to capture net-zero transition growth opportunities. Whether by setting net-zero...
Article
Navigating the gray-to-green transition in aerospace and defense
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The aerospace and defense industry is transitioning from an older to younger workforce, but it faces intense competition for...
Report
The path toward eco-friendly travel in China
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China can achieve climate-friendly domestic travel—if travelers, tourism providers, and the travel industry at large make...
Article
Financing the net-zero transition: From planning to practice
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Financial institutions will play a leading role in the transition to a net-zero economy. To maximize the opportunity, they must...
Article
Asia’s top CEOs embrace change with boldness and resilience
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Asia’s top business leaders are navigating today’s shocks with bold moves and a determination toward building sustainable...
Report
Toward a sustainable, inclusive, growing future: The role of business
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To make the world as sustainable and inclusive as we hope, a certain kind of economic growth will be necessary—and companies...
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
A devilish duality: How CEOs can square resilience with net-zero promises
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Amid turbulence on the path to net zero, leaders will have to be much nimbler to balance resilience with an energy future that...
Interview
Decarbonization: The new frontier for investment and innovation
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Tackling Asia’s net-zero agenda can create a disruptive and collaborative shift in investment and innovation.
Article
Charting a path for Vietnam to achieve its net-zero goals
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By harnessing opportunities across sectors—particularly in power—Vietnam could potentially accelerate decarbonization...
Interview
The importance of financial viability for the net-zero transition
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Climate Impact X CEO, Mikkel Larsen, on financially viable green solutions, and bridging gaps between the public and private...
Report
Accelerating the transition to net-zero travel
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Despite the best intentions, many travel companies are struggling to reduce their emissions fast enough. A report by McKinsey...
Article
How green can green growth be?
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The transition to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions will take trillions of dollars and several decades. Here’s how B2B...
Podcast
A CFO’s perspective on sustainable, inclusive growth
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In the current challenging environment, how can CFOs and other business leaders continue to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth?...
Article
Three keys to a resilient postpandemic recovery
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The path to sustainable, inclusive growth lies in building resilience now.
Article
The net-zero transition: What it would cost, what it could bring
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This McKinsey report offers a detailed look at the economic and societal impact of the transition to net-zero carbon emissions...
Podcast
Financial inclusion and sustainable, inclusive growth in action
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Access to financial services remains a significant barrier to prosperity for millions of Americans. How can businesses promote...
Podcast
Solving the net-zero equation in the United States
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Achieving net-zero carbon emissions will require investment and action on a massive scale. How can the United States meet the...
Article
Navigating America’s net-zero frontier: A guide for business leaders
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The US government has a goal: net-zero emissions by 2050. Our analysis maps out a pathway to this net-zero frontier—and the growth...
Interview
A complete corporate makeover: Keppel’s plan for sustainable growth
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CEO Loh Chin Hua is on a mission to transform Keppel Corporation from a conglomerate structure to a future-ready organization...
Podcast
Rise of the inclusive, sustainable consumers
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How can businesses attract and retain customers when sustainability and inclusion are no longer “nice to have” but...
Report
Net-zero steel in building and construction: The way forward
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Rising demand for greener approaches creates an imperative for the industry to seize the moment, adopt new mindsets, and set...
Article
Seizing green business growth for Asia’s energy players
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Globally, sustainable energy and low-carbon solutions top national and corporate agendas. For regional energy players, the time...
Podcast - MGI Research
Forward Thinking on the growing role of business in the net-zero transition with Claire O’Neill
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The former British politician who led the United Kingdom’s winning bid to host COP26 is now focused on coordinating an...
Article
Net-zero emissions in US government fleets
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Through its use of electric vehicles, the US government stands to serve as a role model for accelerating progress in the electrification...
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
Playing offense to create value in the net-zero transition
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Decarbonization will reshape the economy, opening new markets and imperiling others. Now is the moment for companies to spot...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
From niche to mainstream: Advancing partnerships in green investing
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The managing partner and founder of Emerald Technology Ventures shares how the company works with start-ups and corporations...
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
A different high-growth story: The unique challenges of climate tech
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Capital-intensive, sustainable businesses offer growth on a scale achieved by technology juggernauts of recent decades. But they...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
Building a green energy ecosystem: Lessons from zolar
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The cofounder and the managing director of Germany-based zolar discuss launching the green energy start-up to simplify the process...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
Bringing a digital platform to the home heating services market: Lessons from thermondo
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The founder and CEO of thermondo discusses how he launched and scaled a fully integrated home heating services company in Germany,...
Podcast
A circle of sustainability: A conversation with circulee’s Thomas Gros
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The CEO and cofounder of a German start-up explains how his company’s circular model reduces CO2 emissions by...
Article
Indonesia takes the lead in sustainable, inclusive growth
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The McKinsey Platform for Climate Technologies Indonesia aims to help end carbon dependency in Southeast Asia’s largest...
Interview - Learn to Leap
How start-ups can manage uncertain times: Insights from leading European venture capitalists
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Start-ups are shifting their focus from fast-paced growth toward sustainable economics amid global headwinds. Four prominent...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
How a Spanish scale-up became a leader in green energy
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Holaluz cofounder Carlota Pi Amorós details her ambition for the start-up to become a decentralized energy-as-a-service...
Article
Green Growth: Capturing Asia’s $5 trillion green business opportunity
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Asia is a critical contributor to the global race to net zero. Proactive moves in pursuit of this goal could result in opportunities...
Article
Spotting green business opportunities in a surging net-zero world
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Explore how 8 industries may transition to reach a 2050 net-zero scenario, and how organizations can respond with new green businesses...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
Launching net-zero businesses: Lessons from a digital leader
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Many companies are hustling to start low-carbon businesses. Ram Ramachander works at the speed of a start-up and with the backing...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
From vision to green-tech unicorn: Lessons from Enpal
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Enpal’s CEO and founder discusses how an interest in solar installation fueled the creation of a company moving toward...
Article
Accelerating toward net zero: The green business building opportunity
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Surging demand for zero-carbon technologies, materials, and services gives companies opportunities to build new green businesses....
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
How quantum computing can help tackle global warming
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Quantum computing has the potential to drive the major breakthroughs needed to help solve the climate crisis. A pioneer in the...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
Companies that care: Lessons from a unicorn founder and his purpose-driven investor
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Doing good may also be a good investment—and potentially transformative for the world. Two leaders on the front lines discuss...
Interview - Learn to Leap: Green Business Building Edition
Make room for alternative proteins: What it takes to build a new sector
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Alternative proteins have the potential to dramatically slow climate change. This interview with three leaders in the field reveals...
Article
How US states can advance a successful clean-energy transition
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By taking a more active role in the energy transition, state leaders can elevate communities, deliver inclusive economic growth, and help the country reach net zero.
Article
Creating value from green M&A
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Companies can reap substantial benefits from programmatic, sustainability-linked M&A if they follow a compelling deal rationale...
Article
The growing imperative of energy optimization for telco networks
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Rising energy costs, growing consumption, and the need to meet decarbonization goals are pressuring telcos to lower costs and...
Report
Carbon removals: How to scale a new gigaton industry
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CO2 removal (CDR) capacity is far from the gigaton scale needed to round out businesses’ net-zero efforts by...
Article
Decarbonize and create value: How incumbents can tackle the steep challenge
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While the task is not easy, incumbents—including those in hard-to-abate sectors—can decarbonize and generate value through a...
Interview
Using digital and AI to meet the energy sector’s net-zero challenge
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Renewable-energy and sustainability leaders from RES, Octopus Energy, and IBM discuss how digital and AI can help drive efficiency,...
Article
Regulatory efficiency will be essential for the energy transition
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The energy and materials transition is stoking demand for critical metals needed in the net-zero supply chain. Regulatory and...
Article
The net-zero transition: What it would cost, what it could bring
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This McKinsey report offers a detailed look at the economic and societal impact of the transition to net-zero carbon emissions...
Report
The energy transition: A region-by-region agenda for near-term action
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What practical actions could countries take now to ensure that the energy transition both accelerates and proceeds in an orderly...
Article
Playing offense with green tech to achieve net-zero emissions
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Technology holds the key to unlocking decarbonization by identifying emission hot spots and pinpointing the areas of biggest...
Article
Renewable-energy development in a net-zero world
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Global decarbonization will require a massive build-out of wind and solar farms. But can developers find enough land, secure...
Report
Decarbonising India: Charting a pathway for sustainable growth
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This will be a decisive decade. With intentional action, India can accelerate decarbonisation at scale while pursuing economic...
Article
The heat is on: How public-sector leaders could drive net-zero goals
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Focusing on climate tech innovation, industrialization, and infrastructure could help public-sector leaders achieve national...
Report
Net-zero Spain: Europe’s decarbonization hub
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Spain can reach net-zero emissions by 2050 through a society-wide effort that leverages the country’s natural endowments...
Article
Spotting green business opportunities in a surging net-zero world
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Explore how 8 industries may transition to reach a 2050 net-zero scenario, and how organizations can respond with new green businesses...
Article
Building decarbonization: How electric heat pumps could help reduce emissions today and going forward
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The electrification of heating systems could play a significant role in the transition to net zero—and heat pumps are emerging...
Article
How a ‘materials transition’ can support the net-zero agenda
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As the energy transition continues, advances toward low-emissions materials and the circular economy can also speed progress...
Interview
Financing net zero: Banks and companies cooperating on decarbonization
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Getting to net-zero emissions can be complex and costly. At McKinsey’s Tomorrow Conference, three European executives discussed...
Article
Failure is not an option: Increasing the chances of achieving net zero
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Countries and companies globally are taking action to pursue net-zero emissions, but their plans could easily be derailed...
Podcast
Reaching net zero—what will it take?
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The quest for sustainability requires action on many fronts, with changes to supply networks, manufacturing processes, and business...
Article
Delivering the climate technologies needed for net zero
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Developing and deploying climate technologies is critical for the world’s net-zero agenda. Growth could await businesses willing...
Article
Infrastructure for a net-zero economy: Transformation ahead
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Eliminating greenhouse-gas emissions would entail major changes to the world’s stock of infrastructure assets. New McKinsey...
Report
Climate Transition Impact Framework (C-TIF): Planning for a sustainable and inclusive future
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The Climate Transition Impact Framework (C-TIF) can help decision makers compare the potential socioeconomic impacts of different climate action pathways.
Article
Latinos in Hollywood: Amplifying voices, expanding horizons
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Improving on- and off-screen representation of Latinos, their stories, and their culture could generate billions of dollars in...
Article
Climate Transition Impact Framework: Essential elements for an equitable and inclusive transition
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This framework seeks to provide an initial approach at quantifying the socioeconomic impacts of climate action. A roundtable...
Report - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
The state of Black residents: The relevance of place to racial equity and outcomes
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At the current pace of change, it could take decades to improve outcomes for Black Americans and more than three centuries to...
Interactive - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Impacts of climate change on Black populations in the United States
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Explore how extreme weather can put the prospect of Black livelihood, well-being, and socioeconomic mobility at greater risk.
Report
The economic state of Latinos in America: Advancing financial growth
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Financial-services revenues from Latinos may grow by more than $90 billion by 2030. To get more of that market, institutions...
Report
Diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact
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Despite a rapidly changing business landscape, the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not only holds, but...
Report
Women in the Workplace 2023
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Women are more ambitious than ever, and workplace flexibility is fueling them. Yet despite some hard-fought gains, women’s...
Article
Inclusive infrastructure investment: How to empower communities
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With more than $2 trillion in federal funding entering the US economy, three steps can help governments meet the needs of communities...
Article
Race in the UK workplace: The intersectional experience
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Despite meaningful progress, achieving workplace equity has proved challenging. Addressing intersectional communities—such as...
Report - MGI Research
Reimagining economic growth in Africa: Turning diversity into opportunity
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Africa’s economy downshifted over the last decade, yet half of its people live in countries that have thrived on the continent....
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
New leadership for a new era of thriving organizations
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Five leadership shifts can unleash an era of sustainable, inclusive growth for companies looking to outperform in this era of...
Article
Bridging another digital divide: Accessibility for blind and low-vision consumers
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Companies have an opportunity to build lasting relationships with consumers who are blind or low vision. Doing so requires a...
Podcast - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
A guide to investing in Black economic mobility
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Large segments of the Black population in the United States are underserved on a range of socioeconomic dimensions. Here’s...
Article
Closing the digital divide in Black America
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Five steps could help to bring broadband and digital equity to every Black household in the United States—urban and rural—while...
Report
The economic state of Latinos in the US: Determined to thrive
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US Latinos are a driving force of the US economy and account for the fastest-growing portion of US GDP.
Podcast
The overlooked contributions and hidden challenges of Asian Americans
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Asian Americans play a key role in creating a more sustainable and inclusive economy. A new report explores the challenges this...
Report
Women Matter Mexico 2022: Uneven parity
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Awareness of the value of gender equity is spreading, but much work remains to establish gender parity in Mexico’s workplaces....
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Investing in—and with—Black consumers in financial services
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Financial-services companies—specifically in banking and insurance—have an opportunity to address equity and gain...
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Rules of the road: Equitably serving Black automotive consumers
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Black consumers’ automotive spending is projected to grow, and companies have opportunities to create more equitable experiences....
Podcast
What will it take to boost Latino economic power?
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McKinsey research reveals interventions that can help boost Latino participation in the US economy and strengthen the nation’s...
Podcast
Addressing unequal opportunity in an American city
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Spatial inequality limits opportunities for millions of Americans. How can companies leverage their unique positions to promote...
Podcast - MGI Research
Forward Thinking on trade, vaccines, and sustainable and inclusive growth with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
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The World Trade Organization’s first African—and first female—director-general reflects on the impact of the...
Podcast
Meeting the challenge of moms’ ‘double double shift’ at home and work
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As the United States emerges from the pandemic, how can businesses build a more inclusive working environment to improve outcomes...
Article
The childcare conundrum: How can companies ease working parents’ return to the office?
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The status quo work culture no longer works for most families—particularly those with very young children. But companies’...
Podcast
Closing the racial wealth gap by investing in Black consumers
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Organizations that incorporate racial equity into their strategic agenda can promote growth and advance Black economic mobility....
Commentary
The labor market is upside down. Here’s what CEOs can do about it
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Business leaders can play a key role in easing labor market pressure and helping to make sustainable and inclusive growth a reality....
Report
The case for inclusive growth
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US leaders across sectors have an opportunity to improve economic performance—and bolster individual and community well-being—through...
Article
Are states ready to close the US digital divide?
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More than $100 billion in federal funding is being deployed to bring broadband to every American household as part of the largest...
Article
When technology meets operational excellence
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A new way to operate is revolutionizing heavy industries.
Podcast
US manufacturing: The next frontier for sustainable, inclusive growth
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US manufacturing has an outsize impact on the nation’s economy. How can business leaders harness innovation to revitalize the manufacturing sector and drive inclusive economic growth?
Commentary
Want to drive inclusive economic growth? Start with manufacturing
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The decline of the US manufacturing industry has contributed to rising inequality and hurt the country’s global competitiveness—a revitalization could contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Article - MGI Research
A better life everyone can afford: Lifting a quarter billion people to economic empowerment
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Lowering the costs of basic goods and services to improve living standards.
Report - MGI Research
The future of wealth and growth hangs in the balance
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The past two decades have generated $160 trillion in paper wealth but sluggish growth and rising inequality. What comes next?
Report - MGI Research
Rekindling US productivity for a new era
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Regaining historical rates of productivity growth would add $10 trillion to US GDP—a boost needed to confront workforce...
Article - MGI Research
Pixels of Progress: A granular look at human development around the world
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Our world is big and complex, but human progress is still about life on the ground, up close and in detail.
Discussion Paper - MGI Research
Global flows: The ties that bind in an interconnected world
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Economic and political turbulence have prompted speculation that the world is already deglobalizing. But the evidence suggests...
Discussion Paper - MGI Research
On the cusp of a new era?
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Current economic and political turbulence could presage the start of a new era that is structurally very different with a new...
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