Business
How Mastercard Is Shaping Inclusive Economic Growth in 2026: From Evidence to Implementation
By Luz Gomez, Vice President Research & Insights NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 /Originally published by Mastercard As technology reshapes the global economy at breakneck speed, the question isn't whether innovation will transform ...
About this update from Mastercard Incorporated
[{"type":"text","content":"By Luz Gomez, Vice President Research & Insights","length":52,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 / Originally published by Mastercard","length":89,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"As technology reshapes the global economy at breakneck speed, the question isn't whether innovation will transform lives-it already is. The challenge before us is to ensure these innovations are expansive and inclusive, driving improved financial health, resilience, and opportunity for everyone, everywhere.","length":312,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"At the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, we know evidence is essential for impact. Entering 2026, our research agenda will focus on understanding the long-term effects of our investments; anticipating risks and designing interventions in the era of agentic AI and heightened cyber threats; and putting technology to work so the public can learn from, and build on, our evidence base.","length":389,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Generational shifts in development aid and shortfalls in climate adaptation finance require new ways of working. Private-sector catalysts and multistakeholder partnerships that mobilize knowledge, capital, and convening power must continue to prioritize inclusive economic growth even when public funding tightens. Against this backdrop, we are doubling down on initiatives underpinned by research that is rigorous, actionable, and applicable for many sectors.","length":460,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"What our digital transformation investments have set in motion","length":62,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"For more than a decade, the Center helped pioneer digital transformation efforts for financial service providers (FSPs) globally, accelerating small business growth and resilience. This work ranged from supporting platform modernization and driving AI solutions for women micro-retailers to strengthening the connective tissue of local ecosystems (community lenders, technical assistance providers, and public-private collaborations) that help small firms and businesses adopt digital tools and survive volatility.","length":514,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"In 2026, we are bringing a sharper lens to the social and economic return on those investments and how ...