Uncertainty. Nothing new you might say – the future is always more or less unknowable. But in the early years of the 21st century, the dimensions of uncertainty seem to expand daily, as familiar doubts about economic and social progress and technological change are joined by more existential worries – about resource availability, climate stability and access to food and fresh water. And making business sense of it all gets harder still as the financial crisis that began in 2007–08 deepens. For years we have looked to markets for the answer, but can capitalism save us if it can’t even save itself?
The good news is that thought leaders and major companies all over the world are forging strategies that are good for profit, people and planet. In the pages that follow, we’ve crunched their ideas and experiences into seven ‘rules’ for success in the coming years. Our conclusion? You can’t conquer uncertainty, but enormous opportunities can open up when you embrace it.
Uncertainty. Nothing new you might say – the future is always more or less unknowable...
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Financial crisis, climate change and economic shifts are creating unprecedented challenges to established business models.
Environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, journalist Fiona Harvey & Carl Rosen debate…
What is a corporation for and who does it serve?
Is the market's focus on giving us consumers what we want robbing us of what we need?
IBM celebrated its 100th year in 2011, and its heritage is a source of great pride for the company.
The Salterbaxter Sustainability Team took a look at some potentially world-saving areas of innovation.
Empowered by technology, local communities have the ability to disrupt and embarrass corporations as never before.
The flipside of heightened uncertainty in the West is growing confidence of developing nations in Asia, Africa & Latin America.
Baby steps or great leaps forward?Bringing the long term into strategy.