| BY Ricki Green |The Future 100: 2026 report is based on a global survey across 16 markets and identifies 100 trends shaping global business and culture in the year ahead. As 2026 unfolds amidst global challenges, VML’s 12th annual Future 100 report introduces an emerging cultural ethos: dystoptimism. Says Emma Chiu and Marie Stafford, Global Directors, VML Intelligence and coauthors of The Future 100: 2026: “Dystoptimism highlights that as old systems crumble, individuals, communities, and innovators are building new, human-centered solutions. It’s about designing for a better future, not just wishing for the past.”Key themes from the 12th annual The Future 100 report:1. We must design for both the ambitious and anxious sides of consumers.”Across its 100 trends, The Future 100: 2026 offers marketers, innovators and leaders a clear brief for the year ahead.