Regulation and compliance. The leading worry among businesses is that uncertainty about regulation will stall their decision making and planning.
Access to credit. Rising levels of government debt may have a strong impact on the cost of credit in future.
Slow recovery or double-dip recession. There is no guarantee that global growth will be sustained if stimulus packages are withdrawn.
Managing talent. The global war for talent continues to pose a challenge in some sectors; the debate over compensation structures is ongoing.
Emerging markets. Emerging economies are likely to dominate global growth. Succeeding in these markets has become a strategic imperative.
Cost cutting. Commodity price inflation and pressure from low-cost competitors are growing challenges.
Non-traditional entrants. New market entrants are always a threat, even when capital costs are high and demand has stalled.
Radical greening. Companies need to stay ahead of shifting consumer preferences and government regulation.
Social acceptance and responsibility. With reputational threats and a political backlash against some sectors, companies need to tread carefully to maintain or rebuild the trust of the public.
Alliances and transactions. Merger and acquisition activity has fallen, but regulatory changes or the need for a “rescue” may force transactions.
