Keeping track of international economic and business trends is clearly the most top-down part of the strategic analysis for multinational companies. And this is no mere “academic” exercise. Global developments can suddenly take on a very local nature, as was seen during Covid-19 and during the Global Financial Crisis from 2008 to 2009. How vulnerable are the economies of our key target markets? And, from a longer-term point of view, should we continue to place our main bets on the same countries and regions? Or are the underlying trends suggesting a re-orientation?

There has been much debate about globalization in recent years. Some commentators go as far as predicting a reversion of this powerful trend for the past 30+ years. What seems certain, however, is that the international economic and business landscape will continue to change at a fast pace. This has prompted many multinationals, and indeed start ups, to go through a strategic rethink when it comes to international diversification, supply chain policies, product offerings, etc. Closely connected with this are plans for new direct investments, international alliances, financial management and indeed the entire organizational setup of the corporation.

Are you a global thinker with a keen interest in applying such insights to the business strategy of an international firm or organization? If so, this career track could well send you on an exciting professional journey.