The world’s largest industrialists are currently living through the most challenging period in recent history. The rising costs of inputs, regional tensions, the need for a green transition, and digitalization have made industrial leadership one of the most difficult areas in recent years. However, the industrial leaders’ transformation is proceeding at a rapid pace. By entering new markets and rethinking the principles of global trade, they are setting the course for the future.
One of the main trends in 2026 is the industrialists’ turn to technology. Industrialists have invested heftily in digitization, making their production processes automated and optimized. The transformation is even more evident in the transport sector, where companies are using artificial intelligence to make their supply chains more effective. At the same time, this process is far from being completed, and industrialists are under pressure to perform as the competition is ruthless.
Another prominent trend is the industrialists’ turn to growth markets. The competition for resources is becoming fierce as the traditional markets – Europe, the US, and the rest of the G20 – reach their limits in terms of capabilities for economic growth. The industrialists who still want to grow have to enter new markets with high degrees of urbanization and consumer culture. The industrialists are turning to Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Asia.
Finally, one of the most important trends is the need for a green transition. Industrialists are now under pressure from stakeholders to operate in a way that is sustainable in terms of carbon neutrality, circular economy principles, and resource efficiency. Industrialists continue to compete on factors of production, but they also invest heavily in transforming their own operations to meet the requirements of a modern economy and society. Electrification and optimization of transport and logistics are typical for the leading companies, and they use the most progressive methods in electricity production.