Economic Growth (GDP) and Electric Power Consumption: Synergy Trend Analysis of Geospatial Regions of the Global Economy: BRICS countries, United States, European Union, Latin America and Caribbean region, and the Countries in Fragile and Conflict-Affecte

Economic Growth (GDP) and Electric Power Consumption: Synergy Trend Analysis of Geospatial Regions of the Global Economy: BRICS countries, United States, European Union, Latin America and Caribbean region, and the Countries in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations Jari Kaivo-oja, Jarmo Vehmas, Jyrki Luukkanen Finland Futures Research Centre, Turku School of Economics, University of Turku Åkerlundinkatu 2 A, 4th Floor, 33100 Tampere, Finland Corresponding author: jari.kaivo-oja@utu.fi Other authors jyrki.luukkanen@utu.fi jarmo.vehmas@utu.fi‘ Abstract: This article includes global synergy trend analyses based on the World Development Indicators published by the Work Bank. The focus of the study is on economic growth (GDP) and electric power consumption. In order to understand globalization and regional developments, it is good to understand global and regional trends and the interactions between spatial trends. The synergy analysis tool was developed to analyze the synergy between two different trends, but it can be used to analyze simultaneously the synergy between three trends representing the three different dimensions of sustainable development. It is good for decision-makers to be aware - not only of the development of the trends themselves, but they should be aware also of the interactions between the trends. There may be positive, negative or no synergy between trends. These three different forms of synergy are therefore always possible. That is why this study is important and interesting for a broader audience. The research delivers synergy analysis results of electricity consumption in relation to global GDP in the main regions of the world: (1) the BRICS countries, (2) the United States, (3) the European Union, (4) the Latin America and Caribbean region, and (4) the Countries in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations. This analysis is a unique synergy analysis study and all empirical results are first time published in this study. This study provides many results, which are relevant for global policy-makers and especially for the World Bank and for the United Nations. Keywords: BRICS countries, countries in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations electrification, electricity consumption, European Union, global GDP, Global trends, synergy analysis, USA, Latin America and Caribbean region, World Bank Data Base, World Development Indicators.