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 international agenda is being shaped by issues such as responses to the credit crisis and global warming that can only be addressed by a multilateral approach. The new global landscape is not stable; risks, such as nationalism and protectionism, are rising.

This is also leading to increased government activism. Governments are taking a new look at the balance between the state and the market, as well as regulation versus laissez-faire.

Transparency of government is important for gaining trust as the citizen is empowered in a world where the citizen expects services focused on their needs.

Ensuring future social security and services are affordable is still on the agenda.

Changing demographics in a world where people are moving more than
ever makes this even tougher.

Sustainability or Green politics has again risen on the political agenda, most certainly helped by the global economic downturn. Green initiatives are now being linked with plans to combat the downturn.

The War on Terror continues to be a high priority with governments keen to ensure the impact of terror is minimized.

Internet identity theft continues to rise as well as the use of the Internet for organized crime.