The contours of global economics at the moment are being redrawn by a composite interaction of climate, geopolitics, finance and technology. What once appeared as recurring headwinds have now progressed into structural rearrangements that are redefining operations, Innovation, production, international business and trade, and capital flows across the world. The global economy of 2026 and beyond is not merely improving from crises it is recalibrating its very groundworks and fundamentals.

From decoupling to “de-risking,” the dictionary of global trade has undergone a seismic alteration. Emerging economies specifically in Asia and Africa are not just recipients of globalization; they are now its new architects. India, with its expanding manufacturing base, digital infrastructure, and demographic advantage, stands at the epicenter of this transformation. Simultaneously, the global North is navigating inflationary pressures, energy transitions, and supply chain security concerns that demand strategic rebalancing rather than isolationism.

Technology remains both a disruptor and a democratizer. Artificial intelligence, blockchain-led transparency, and digital currencies are redefining how nations trust, trade, transact. Yet, the promise of these innovations is shaded by the dangers of algorithmic asymmetries, data dominations, and ethical vulnerabilities. This poses challenge to policymakers to craft frameworks that are both comprehensive and future-ready.

The covid pandemic exposed global economic system to fragilities. climate change continues to test its resistance. economies struggle for carbon neutrality. the transition to sustainable and green finance, blue and circular business models redefines competitiveness. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) striving to generate moral imperatives.

For India and other emerging economies, the connection between sustainability and growth offers an unparalleled opportunities to leapfrog to build innovation-led inclusive growth. New paradigm shift is expected in south south cooperation as a new axis of global integration for India.

As a bridge between academia and policy, IIFT-IBMR aims to foster critical review into the challenges and prospects to redefine contemporary world. In this spirit, the current issue presents a rich collection of research articles and perspectives into global economic transformations through empirical depth and conceptual clarity.

Dr. Sheeba Kapil

Editor-in-Chief

IIFT International Business and Management Review (IIFT-IBMR)

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi

sheebakapil@iift.edu