The impact levels of new and emerging macro trends are defined as: emerging (likely to drive business needs in the future—keep watching), through maturing, to burning (you cannot afford to ignore—already driving new business needs).

The recent credit crisis that afflicted the financial system resulted in the fall of many banks and financial institutions all over the world and, latterly, caused the economic downturn we’re currently facing.

Globalization from both supply and demand perspectives, as well as competition, is really starting to make a difference. The speed at which the credit crisis and worldwide economic downturn spread across the globe really shows how intertwined the global economy already is. Further industry consolidation is also likely to accelerate.

Despite the temporary nature of the downturn, we are nevertheless using natural resources and energy sources at increasing rates. Reactions to the economic crisis also lean to alternative energy sources to reduce, amongst others, oil dependency.

After recent scandals, transparency and traceability of economic activity are on the agenda. Related to this, the role of shareholders or concentration on shareholder value is now under debate.

As it becomes easier, cheaper, and quicker to automate processes and production, commoditization becomes more commonplace. This is raising the value of knowledge.

The Internet is enabling better access to information, at any time from anywhere and by anybody. This transparency is empowering the consumer. It has also enabled the rise of peer-to-peer trading we are seeing nowadays.