Security, sustainability and supply concerns are used across the OECD’s member countries to justify unprecedented government intervention. But in our market-based democracies, governments must be reminded that the long-term success of our economies is based on private sector-led growth. In 2025, it will be a cross-cutting top priority for Business at OECD to convince the OECD and policymakers that functioning markets must remain at the centre of economic activity.

An increasing public debt burden must not result in fiscal policies that further weigh down private sector-led growth. In 2025, Business at OECD’s engagement with the OECD will remain crucial, as the OECD has been at the forefront of proposals which will result in fundamental changes in the international tax landscape.

Geopolitical tensions and an increasing trend towards de-globalisation significantly threaten the achievements of multilateralism. At this critical juncture, Business at OECD will work with the OECD to make clear that the security, sustainability, and success of our economies do not stand in contrast with open markets and rules-based international trade and investment - they depend on them.

The rapid development and adoption of new technologies, including generative AI, are transforming business and the way we conduct our activities. Fostering a favourable and trustworthy environment for innovation will create opportunities for the whole of society. In the coming months, Business at OECD will continue to work with the OECD to create coherent digital policy frameworks and guidance, enabling innovation and economic growth at international scale.

Skills and labour shortages are among the most pressing problems entrepreneurs and businesses currently face on-the-ground. In 2025, Business at OECD will redouble efforts to encourage the OECD to provide tangible recommendations that tackle the “double skills gap” - a quantitative lack of skilled employees and qualitative skills mismatches. 

A net-zero global economy will require significant private sector investments in low-carbon infrastructure and technologies over the next decades. For this, a sustainable green transition must become a fantastic market opportunity, rather than an expensive problem. In 2025, the OECD needs to promote environmental policies that are rational, and not ideologically driven. The key to success lies in stronger public-private engagement.

The energy crisis has been a game changer, and significant steps need to be taken across our economies – not just in the energy sector – to make the transition happen. From speeding up regulatory procedures and fostering infrastructure investments, over the right skills policies to mitigating the impacts on competitiveness: The OECD needs to bring in its whole-of-government expertise to help decisively move forward, strengthening ties with the International Energy Agency (IEA).

As health and food systems are the backbones of our global economy, it is clear that investing in them will contribute to strengthening global economic resilience as a whole. To achieve this, Business at OECD must deliver transformational solutions that make health and food systems more productive, digital and efficient, and do so in a sustainable way. In this regard in 2025, the OECD should promote public-private and cross-ministerial cooperation in both the health and food sectors, not only during times of crisis but consistently.

Sound corporate governance frameworks are essential for business success: Transparent, responsible, and accountable processes and practices increase competitiveness, performance and business reputation. In 2025, Business at OECD will continue close engagement with the OECD to ensure its flagship standards provide useful guidance, meet business realities and can be effectively implemented – in the OECD’s member countries and beyond.