How Intergenerational Leadership Unlocks Innovation and Sustainability in Business

Published 2025 – This joint report by the UN Youth Office, the St. Gallen Symposium and the Club of Rome explores how businesses can unlock long-term value by adopting intergenerational leadership models. It highlights the growing demographic gap between corporate leaders and the global workforce and presents a strong business case for meaningfully involving younger generations in decision-making.

Drawing on academic research, case studies and practical insights, the report identifies five leadership dynamics that intergenerational approaches can unlock—from greater empathy and innovation to long-term strategic thinking and stronger accountability.

The report sets out three practical pathways for implementation—consultation, co-leadership and organisational embedding—offering actionable recommendations for businesses to bridge the generational divide and build more inclusive, resilient and future-fit organisations.

Authors: Felix Rüdiger, Kaspar Köchli, Matthew Hunter and Nolita Thina Mvunelo

Other Publications

The End of Population Growth

The End of Population Growth

09 February 2026 - The era of population growth is ending - and societies are unprepared, argues Ugo Bardi in this report to the Club of Rome. In The End of Population Growth, systems scientist and author Ugo Bardi argues that population decline is likely to begin...

Rewiring finance for transformative innovation

Rewiring finance for transformative innovation

04 December 2025 - This report, developed with the EIB Institute, sets out how Europe can reconfigure finance to support transformative innovation – the kind needed to respond to interconnected ecological, social and economic crises. It argues that today’s financial...

Young person’s guide to storytelling

Young person’s guide to storytelling

25 November 2025 - The Young person’s guide to storytelling from The 50 Percent (a platform for young leaders supported by The Fifth Element and the Club of Rome) is a practical and accessible guide that helps young people understand how storytelling can counter...

Club of Rome Logo