Shaping "The Great Transformation" – World Economic Forum, Davos |
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, presents a yearly opportunity to gauge the world’s perspective on pressing economic and social issues. Global leaders participate in a variety of panel discussions and private events, addressing topics at the forefront of the world agenda.
This year, Deloitte’s delegation convened in Davos from January 25-29 along with business and government leaders from around the globe under the theme "The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models." The purpose of this year’s event was for leaders to define what the future looks like, align stakeholders around that vision, and inspire institutions to realize that vision.
Economically, the short-term future looks challenging and 2012 promises to test all CEOs in new and different ways. As such, Deloitte LLP CEO Joe Echevarria took a tone of cautious optimism into the events and sessions he participated in with clients, government and NGO leaders, and the media.
Cautious because Deloitte economics predict slower growth, increasing levels of corporate cash signaling rising uncertainty, and an overall delay in hiring as clients wait for resolution to Europe’s crisis. Globalization and geopolitics promise to become more complex and all of that impacts U.S. businesses as they work to find the right balance between cost-cutting and investing for the future.
Optimistic because the ascendance of the developing world opens up new markets and unlocks new sources of innovation and expansion for U.S. businesses. U.S. demographics trends and values will continue to attract entrepreneurs and economic refugees from Europe and Asia who are young and have social, financial, and educational capital. Echevarria says he believes strongly that America has risen to challenges before and will do so again.
Check the related links at right to see a few of the ways Deloitte participated in the conversation in Davos.
