The article describes the key components of the new world economy that is emerging before our eyes. Russia has the potential to achieve conceptual and intellectual leadership in addressing challenges that remain relevant for all of humanity, such as climate change management, development of scientifically grounded ecological policies, space exploration, new energy generation technologies, reassembling of international organizations activities, and the transition to meaningful comprehensive development governance. The thesis is declared that the world as a cultural-civilizational complex will continue to globalize in the civilizational context (technologies, transportation, communication, comfort, modern clothing, footwear, building materials, etc.), and in the cultural context, it will become more equitable and just. Furthermore, value-added chains will continue to function despite political obstacles and limitations. Humanity is now faced with the necessity to make a choice between developmental imitation (catch-up or sustainable development) and genuine development, which implies breakthroughs into the unknown, scientific research, and the development of technologies that currently appear inconceivable. Will we continue to play bureaucratic games in the style of "We are merely executors, following rules and procedures, obeying instructions and carrying out orders whose meanings we do not understand," or will we take responsibility for achieving ambitious results? Every political leader, scientist, manager, and ordinary person finds themselves facing this existential choice today.