In a world in which new uncertainties are part of the “new normal”, megatrends can provide security, as they indicate long-term changes in the business environment.
The highly dynamic corporate environment
We are living in times of systemic change, which is increasingly influencing society and the economy. While the corporate environment is changing at a highly dynamic pace and constantly requires companies to realign their strategy, business models and organisational forms, megatrends can serve as a navigation aid for the management of strategic opportunities and risks. They provide a framework within which the future of an organisation can be shaped.
Focus on the future
Megatrends are long-term phenomena that have an impact over a period of at least several decades. Their effects extend across all areas of society, including the economy, consumption, changing values, the way people live together, the media and the political system. These trends manifest themselves globally, although their presence is not felt everywhere at the same time and with the same intensity. Nevertheless, their effects will be observed worldwide sooner or later. The complexity of megatrends is reflected in their multi-layered and multi-dimensional nature. Their dynamism arises from the complex interactions between social, economic, and cultural factors.
Twelve megatrends are driving social and economic change
The megatrend map of the Zukunftsinstitut, which explores new dimensions in trend and future research, shows twelve central megatrends that will shape our future in the long term:
Systemic thinking for sustainable perspectives
Taking these megatrends into account, including their multi-layered influencing factors, interdependencies, dependencies, conditionalities and interactions, opens up new ways of thinking when shaping the future of companies. This systemic thinking can help organisations to gain new viewpoints by changing perspectives. In this way, organisations can better understand their role in social evolution, question their own views, and ultimately increase their adaptability.
Megatrends to visualise the holistic future value of companies
When using megatrends, it is essential to take the individual perspective of the organisation: Which megatrends give strategic stability to a defined field of observation of my organisation, and which change movements influence the corporate environment (society, technology, ecology, politics, economy)? By incorporating the internal and external areas of the company, you get a holistic picture of the strategic future value of a company and can thus make sustainable strategic decisions for corporate resilience.
Resilience management is the new risk management
In the new VUCA world (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity), the term resilience, i.e., the ability to withstand numerous, often unknown, and unforeseeable risks, is booming. The concept of resilience is based on disruptive crises in the future and requires companies to be able to master them. For this to succeed, risks and opportunities must be anticipated at an early stage and companies must be able to adapt quickly.
Integrating megatrends into risk management
In a world in which new uncertainties are part of the “new normal”, megatrends can provide security, as they indicate long-term changes in the business environment. Companies that incorporate megatrends into their strategic work and thus prepare for future developments can identify opportunities and risks at an early stage and respond proactively thanks to their adaptability and open attitude. The integration of megatrends into strategic risk management therefore not only offers a preventative approach to avoiding risks, but also opens opportunities to create a resilient and sustainable company.
Laura Hochegger
Deputy Head of Sustainability & Innovation
GrECo Group
T +43 664 822 18 66
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