Ricky Li
Economist & Researcher · Future of Work · Geoeconomics · Global Risk
We operate in an era where noise compounds faster than signal. In such an environment, clarity becomes a form of competitive advantage.
Ricky Li is an economist and researcher working at the intersection of future of work, geoeconomics, and global risk. She is a co-author of the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, with work reaching over 5 million readers worldwide.
Ricky Li studies how technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and AI reshape labor markets, economic growth, and the distribution of opportunity. Her work sits at the intersection of future of work, geoeconomics, and global risk, translating complex signals into arguments that senior decision-makers can act on, while bringing trustworthy, evidence-based insights to the public.
She led data and insights at the World Economic Forum, where she co-authored the Future of Jobs Report and Global Gender Gap Report, flagship research that reached 5+ million readers and generated 25+ million social media impressions. She has facilitated sessions and meetings at the Annual Meeting in Davos five times, and at major institutional gatherings in China and the Middle East, working directly with policymakers, executives, and global leaders. She built and managed research infrastructure and partner communities spanning 140+ economies.
Before the Forum, she advised on digital transformation and data governance across Asia, and on SME policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus. She holds a double master's degree from Yale School of Management (Yale SOM) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Available for keynotes, panel discussions, executive briefings, and academic lectures. For speaking enquiries, get in touch below.