The Global Outlook for 2021

As we move into another period of global uncertainty, business leaders must dig deep to unearth opportunities among the risks and challenges they face, finds David Hobbs

2020 was a year like no other and threw unforeseen challenges at all levels of society from governments to individuals and businesses to regions. What is clear is that as the world picks its way through the post-pandemic debris, more challenges – known or unknown - lie ahead. Members of the Criticaleye community give their assessments of what the next 12 months might hold in store.

With commentary from:

Janet Mui, Investment Director, Brewin Dolphin: Equity markets are certainly more optimistic, and the growth of the global economy is expected to be more synchronised between developed and developing economies.

Matthew Blagg, CEO, Criticaleye: If you’re out of kilter it can spell trouble for the organisation, so it’s vital that executives ensure they are in the right place in what will be another challenging year.

Mui Hoon Poh, NED, Singapore Pools and Board Mentor, Criticaleye: The Chinese economy is like a growing youth right now – there’s no stopping it. The US needs to find that balance in partnering China and so does the rest of the world.

Ashley Phillips, Managing Director, UK Markets and Bioenergy, Ørsted: I just don’t see environmental strategies as an option for businesses anymore, they have to be integral to an overall strategy.

Ian Wright, CEO of the Food and Drink Federation: There are a lot of people who have not strayed far from their homes during the lockdowns and that may well continue. Companies will need to look at how to provide products through those mechanisms.

Mark Spelman, Member of Executive Committee, World Economic Forum: The political implications from Brexit and COVID-19 will depend on how robust the UK’s economic rebound is.

Mike Hobday, CRO, Antworks: Business models must be designed to extract the fullest value and insight from the data that courses like a river through an organisation.