Cybersecurity blanket
Cyberthreats are proliferating, with unique strains of malware surging from less than 10 million in 2010 to more than 130 million a decade later. Some organizations now spend a greater share of security funds on managing active cyberattacks than they do on preventive measures. But those that adopt a proactive strategy will be better positioned for what’s on the horizon.
To read the article, see “Cybersecurity trends: Looking over the horizon,” March 10, 2022.
A clean-fuels future
As the energy sector transitions to net zero, some gas utilities in the United States could be uniquely positioned to convert their infrastructure into clean-fuels networks. Such a system could, for example, deliver hydrogen to industrial plants; transport carbon to and from carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) sites; and support an expanded low-carbon electricity grid.
To read the article, see “Decarbonizing US gas utilities: The potential role of a clean-fuels system in the energy transition,” March 2, 2022.
Supply chain planning—streamlined
Consumer behaviors and brand loyalty shifted with the arrival of the pandemic, pushing the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry to pursue better supply chain planning methods, such as automated digital systems. Yet 80 percent of CPG manufacturers in Asia still rely on traditional sales and operations planning (S&OP), according to results of a recent McKinsey survey.
To read the article, see “Autonomous supply chain planning for consumer goods companies,” March 2, 2022.
All the right moves
Chief human resources officers (CHROs) across Europe and the US are envisioning a new operating model for HR. Taking a cue from digital companies, HR leaders are prioritizing not only the digitalization of processes but also agility and fluidity by breaking down the silos historically associated within the function.
To read the article, see “Reimagining HR: Insights from people leaders,” March 1, 2022.
Green steely resolve
Many companies are committing to lowering their carbon footprints but first need to find the resources to do so. The addition of more than a dozen green-steel factories in Europe by 2030 still may not be enough to meet demand of up to 50 million metric tons per year to meet EU emissions reduction targets. The output of materials such as recycled aluminum and plastic may also struggle to keep up with resource demands.
To read the article, see “It’s not easy buying green: How to win at sustainable sourcing,” February 25, 2022.
Risk abounds. How ready are companies?
We asked European leaders in eight industries about the relevance of various risk types and other characteristics to their companies. They gave a slight nod to digital and technological risk over other types. And most agreed that their foresight capabilities, through techniques such as scenario planning, could use improvement.
To read the article, see “Financial institutions and nonfinancial risk: How corporates build resilience,” February 28, 2022.