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Johan Van der Biest
Head of Thematic Global Equity
Investing in secular megatrends
Our world is constantly evolving, defined by trends that influence economies and society. While some trends are brief and viral, others unfold over decades and redefine how we live, work and interact. We focus on secular megatrends that drive change across political, economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions.
Megatrends cross borders and transform industries, creating long-term opportunities for innovative companies able to position themselves at the forefront. Drawing on deep industry knowledge, our sector specialists identify these trends with the aim to translate them into high-quality forward-looking investment portfolios.
At Candriam, we consider four megatrends: Geopolitical Fragmentation, Disruptive Technologies, Socio-demographic Dynamics and the Environmental Transition.
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”Thematic approaches can uncover investment opportunities that go beyond sector and regional approaches. We have built this range of strategies to enable our clients to access high-potential companies that should benefit from powerful secular trends.
The four megatrends shaping our future
- Geopolitical Fragmentation
- Disruptive Technologies
- Socio-demographic dynamics
- Environmental Transition
Geopolitical Fragmentation
Geopolitical fragmentation reflects a world that is becoming increasingly multipolar, shaped by rising strategic competition and shifting alliances. Trade tensions, reshoring and security priorities are driving structurally higher investment in defence, critical infrastructure, strategic resources and regional manufacturing. This megatrend is creating a structural tailwind for long-term investment opportunities across sectors positioned to benefit from the reallocation of capital toward resilience, security and strategic autonomy.
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€2tn+Total EU funding linked to strategic autonomySource: European Commission |
25%Of global trade could relocate within the next three yearsSource: Reshoring Initiative |
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Discover our strategy European Autonomy strategy
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Disruptive Technologies
Disruptive technologies are reshaping economic growth by unlocking new gains in productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. For investors, the opportunity lies in scalable technologies that address structural challenges such as energy constraints, efficiency requirements and shrinking workforces. From AI and automation to cybersecurity, digitalised electrification infrastructure and digital twins, these solutions underpin the next phase of industrial growth and long-term value creation.
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$2 trillionthe estimated global artificial intelligence market by 2030 Source : Next Move Strategy Consulting / Statista |
49%expected annual growth rate for industrial robots from 2025 to 2035 Source : Allied Market Research |
Socio-demographic dynamics
Demographic trends are quietly but fundamentally redrawing the global economic landscape. Rising life expectancy, shifting demographics, and evolving social expectations are changing consumption patterns and putting sustained pressure on energy systems, healthcare, infrastructure and natural resources. At the same time, declining workforces in many regions are reinforcing the need for higher productivity and innovation, underpinning long-term investment opportunities anchored in sustainable growth and societal needs.
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10bnGlobal population by 2061 Source: United Nations, Global populations forecast, median scenario |
2/3of world population will Source: World Bank, United Nations |
Discover our Global Demography strategy
Environmental Transition
The environmental transition is accelerating one of the largest reallocations of capital in decades, transforming sustainability into a driver of growth and competitive advantage. The rapid decarbonisation of power generation, transport and industry, alongside a rising focus on resource efficiency and circular economic models, is unlocking substantial investment in renewables, grids, storage and electrified solutions. For investors, this transition offers a compelling combination of scale, visibility and long-term demand as economies re-engineer their energy and resource systems.
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32%Contribution of renewables Source: IEA (International Energy Agency) |
$2.2trnGlobal investment in clean energy technologies in 2025 Source: IEA (International Energy Agency) |
Discover our strategy adapting to climate change
Figures worth a thousand words
- €15.8bn In AUM, as of 31/01/2026
- 19 Strategies
- 20+ Years of experience in managing thematic equity funds
A forward-looking approach for a high conviction investment process
At Candriam, we want to make the most of each thematic opportunity with a pure and forward-looking approach. This is why we apply a dedicated thematic screening to each thematic investment strategy. In most strategies, for a company to be eligible, we require a minimum revenue exposure to one or preferably several thematic subthemes. It allows the investor to benefit from a full exposure to his or her preferred investment theme. Each shortlisted company is then analysed using our fundamental five-step equity framework, which embeds ESG criteria in each of its steps. We focus on the companies that are offering or developing promising solutions, companies that really make a difference.
Fundamental framework
Fundamental analysis is essential to a successful stock selection. Candriam’s fundamental equity framework includes five pillars: quality of management, underlying business growth, competitive advantage, value creation and financial leverage. ESG is embedded at each step.
ESG integration
In addition to excluding companies involved in controversial activities, we integrate ESG analysis into our fundamental assessment, valuation framework and investment decision-making. Our proprietary Stakeholders and Business Activities Analysis aim to allow us to identify companies that we believe are well positioned to capture long-term economic opportunities, manage ESG-related risks and contribute positively to society. This integrated approach goes beyond risk mitigation, positioning ESG as a source of long-term alpha and a core element of our investment convictions.