The innovation imperative shaping the future of business
Our report shows that business leaders are actively preparing for a future shaped by disruption and divergence. More than half (52%) say they anticipate a world defined by fragmented markets and supply chains—what we’ve labelled a World Fragmented. A third of leaders foresee a World Divided, marked by deepening geopolitical rifts.
Success today is no longer defined by speed, scale, or market dominance alone. It hinges on having what we call the New Business Edge—the ability to strategically leverage technology to accelerate innovation, gain a competitive edge in the market, and remain resilient in a turbulent macroeconomic environment.
Who are the agents of change who responded to our survey?
Survey reach
Insights from
1,050 C-suite leaders
in mid-market and enterprise businesses.
Industry breakdown
A horizontal bar chart shows the industry breakdown of our survey respondents.
Twenty per cent of respondents are in retail and consumer business; 16% in education; 13% in manufacturing; 12% in the financial services sector; 11% in healthcare; 11% in technology; 8% in real estate; 5% in construction; and 4% in private equity.
What business leaders are reporting
How do business leaders envision technology shaping the next chapter of business? Here’s what 1,050 executives told us:
Explore the Techtonic States series
As fragmentation and volatility become the new norm, the future of business belongs to those who think two steps ahead. Explore how your organization can achieve the New Business Edge as you plan for tomorrow’s change.
The series unfolds across four chapters:
Chapter 1: Introducing the New Business Edge
The topic of resilience is dominating board room discussions. Explore the possible futures ahead and how leaders are boldly and proactively preparing for them.
Where it all started
The Techtonic States series began in 2023 as BDO’s response to a rapidly shifting global business landscape. The inaugural report explored how emerging technologies, geopolitical shifts, and economic uncertainty were reshaping the future of business and outlined four possible scenarios that companies would face until 2026—as well as strategies to help leaders navigate each one.
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