TURNING GLOBALIZATION 4.0 INTO A REAL AND SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS

The paper aims to provide an overview of the major opportunities and challenges of the fourth phase of globalization in the current macro scenario characterized by a high level of economic and geopolitical complexity and uncertainty. The assumptions and results reported in this work are based mostly on the judgmental opinion of the author and on his critical analysis of macroeconomic data and global trends. The author of the paper is a seasoned chief economic advisor and professor of global economics and disruptive innovation. Forecasting global market trends and future scenarios in a highly unpredictable business environment is always a complex task which cannot be undertaken simply relying on quantitative research techniques based on historical datasets since the past is not always a good predictor of future events. The qualitative approach adopted for this research is based on multiple forms of data sources and the following activities: (1) identification of the key forces and trends in the environment (i.e. environmental scanning); (2) assessing the driving forces and trends by importance and uncertainty; (3) envisioning potential alternative scenarios; and (4) assessing the potential implications of each trend and scenario. The result of this analysis confirms the central role that technological development is likely to have in the near future as a major driver of disruptive change in the economic and social models of many countries and leads to the conclusion that the groundbreaking and disruptive innovations of the future should be perceived as a potential opportunity and not just as a threat by stakeholders in the international community. Keywords: Globalization, Sustainability, Creating Shared Value, Complexity and Uncertainty, Macro Strategy Analysis, Technological Innovation, Social Inclusion, Global Competitiveness, International Busines

Digitalisation and temporary agencies: Impact on the business model and internal organisation

This study investigated the potential impact of upcoming technologies on the business model of temporary agencies, as well as the required organisational changes to effectively digitalise. Although this research does not focus on temporary agencies in hospitality specifically, the outcomes underline previous research undertaken by others on the future of hospitality jobs, in which for example artificial intelligence-driven technology is identified as a disruptor in the labour market. For this research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry experts and digitalisation experts. The main findings of this study are that technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things and blockchain will have a large impact on temporary agencies – mostly on back-office processes, which will be made more efficient and less labour intensive. To effectively digitalise, cultural elements are of importance, such as a strong customer centricity and well-defined change management trajectories. Additionally, C-level executives (e.g. CEO, CFO, COO, etc.) diversity, digital savvy and willingness to invest are key elements. The positive effects of digitalisation should be clearly communicated: it will make work more fun, easier, and it will free up time to spend on human contact and teamwork. The key to success is adopting the opportunities that digitalisation brings, but making a difference by building true human connections

Strategic impacts on automotive incumbents in the market of autonomous driving

Automation and connectivity within the automotive industry are affecting automotive incumbents (AIs) causing significant shifts towards technology and software. These current trends enable the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) which will become increasingly prevalent over the next decade. The complex technologies necessary to make autonomous driving (AD) a full reality and which are transforming the automotive industry entail high uncertainties and strategic challenges. The aim of this study is to examine how AD affects AIs’ businesses and strategic choices. Secondary data in the current literature about automation, AD and strategic literature concerning disruptive innovation was reviewed to study the topic. Primary data was gathered through interviews with professionals working in the field of AD. The interview analysis is based on the inductive categorization methodology of Mayring (2015) to provide thorough evaluation of the data. Chiefly, the findings revealed that attempting to seize a first mover advantage is not recommended for AIs in the case of AD. A large challenge is the lack of technological know-how needed to keep up with leading tech-companies in this field. Furthermore, competence in opening up cities and regions for AD should be developed. As disruptive technologies in general and specifically AD lack trust of customers, it is important to develop confidence building strategies. Digital features that are desired by future customers must be determined as well as an attractive business model to compete as an incumbent in the AD market. Overall, the future role of AIs in the AV supply chain is not yet clear

A Helping Hand for Europe: The Competitive Outlook for the EU Robotics Industry

This report is one of a series resulting from a project entitled ¿Competitiveness by Leveraging Emerging Technologies Economically¿ (COMPLETE), carried out by JRC-IPTS. Each of the COMPLETE studies illustrates in its own right that European companies are active on many fronts of emerging and disruptive ICT technologies and are supplying the market with relevant products and services. Nevertheless, the studies also show that the creation and growth of high tech companies is still very complex and difficult in Europe, and too many economic opportunities seem to escape European initiatives and ownership. COMPLETE helps to illustrate some of the difficulties experienced in different segments of the ICT industry and by growing potential global players. Hopefully, COMPLETE will contribute to a better understanding of the opportunities and help shape better market conditions (financial, labour and product markets) to sustain European competitiveness and economic growth. This report deals with robotics applications in general, and in two specific areas selected because of potential market and EU capability in these areas: robotics applications in SMEs, and robotics safety. It starts by introducing the state of the art in robotics, their applications, market size, value chains and disruptive potential of emerging robotics technologies. For each of the two specific areas, the report describes the EU landscape, potential market, benefits, difficulties, and how these might be overcome. The last chapter draws together the findings of the study, to consider EU competitiveness in robotics, opportunities and policy implications. The work is based on desk research and targeted interviews with industry experts in Europe and beyond. The results were reviewed by experts and in a dedicated workshop.JRC.DDG.J.4-Information Societ

Ai in the european manufacturing industry - a management guide

Artificial intelligence will have significant influence upon the manufacturing industry. Rapid disruption of existing processes will lead to a clear distinction between those who were able to adapt quickly enough and those that fall behind. There are several challenges e.g. data availability and IT-security that come along with AI,that managers must addressin advance to be prepared. The opportunities lie mainly in enhancing efficiency as well as fault detection and error recognition. Defininga framework and following certain success factors such as the definition of KPIs and developing a minimum viable product,increases the chances of success massivel

Changing Facet of Supply Chain Management – Is Human Factor No More Relevant? – A Study on Developing Countries

AbstractThe world is getting rapidly digitized in every aspect. Supply chains across industries and geographic locations must also adopt the new technologies that replace human labor in order tor remain relevant and functional. That is not to say that the need for human labor is completely non-existent. For developing and emerging economies, where the extent of digitization is still dismally low because of various factors, the relevance of the human facet of Supply Chain Management (SCM) is still hugely relevant and essential. This article investigates the importance of the human factor in the management of digitized supply chain in the modern world, from the perspective of the developing countries. The research reveals that there is no substitute for human labor, especially in situations where there is need for speed in decision making and where computer programs run on historical knowledge become incapable of offering a solution. Key words: digitization, supply chain, supply chain management, human, labor, RPA, AI, ML, labor displacement.

A Time Like No Other: Charting the Course of the Next Revolution - A Summary of the Boston Indicators Report 2004-2006

Summarizes findings from the Boston Indicators Project, a long-term research study of the city's economic, social, and technical progress across ten sectors