Foresight 2020: economic, industry and corporate trends

How will the global economy shift over the next 15 years?

Published by: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) , 2006
Via: Eldis

This report assesses the likely changes to the global economy, to eight major industries and to corporate structures over the next 15 years. The paper argues that the next 15 years will bring further massive changes to the shape of the world economy, to the landscape of major industries and to the workings of the company. The industries discussed include:

• automotive
• consumer goods and retailing
• energy
• financial services
• healthcare and pharmaceuticals
• manufacturing
• public sector
• telecommunications

The principal research finding of the report suggests:

• a redistribution of economic power, particularly to China and India. Non-OECD markets will account for a higher share of revenue growth between now and 2020 than OECD economies
• population shifts will have a significant impact on economies, companies and customers. The favourable demographic profile of the US will help to spur growth whereas ageing populations in Europe will inhibit it
• network technologies and globalisation will enable firms to better use the world as their supply base for talent and materials
• customers in developed and developing markets will place more emphasis on personalisation
• the focus of management attention will be on the areas of the business, from innovation to customer service, where personal chemistry or creative insight matter more than rules and processes