2009 Industry Outlook

Challenging times, emerging opportunities

2009 Industry Outlook In 2009, the United States must deal with some of the greatest economic challenges encountered in two generations: Financial markets are in turmoil; prices for oil and other commodities are fluctuating wildly; housing, automotive and other industries are fighting for survival; more than 10 million people are unemployed — the litany of woes continues as the U.S. and other nations slip into a global recession. Yet, there are positive signs of opportunity: Medical and technology advances are continuing apace; greening initiatives are moving forward; a new President and Congress are taking office amid high expectations for change; and governments, corporations and citizens around the world are collaborating to identify real and lasting solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

Explore the industry links below for sector-specific insights on issues facing companies in the coming year, as well as guidance to help executives weather the current downturn and position their organizations for future growth. For a bird’s-eye perspective, read our cross service/industry reports such as the “2009 Industry Outlook: Challenging Times, Emerging Opportunities,” which identifies shared issues that provide the opportunity to leverage cross-sector learnings in the coming year.

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Aerospace & Defense
By focusing on product innovation, process improvements and new revenue opportunities, companies will be well-positioned to take advantage of an economic turnaround.
Automotive
The auto industry is in crisis mode. The industry will see the rise of partnerships and collaboration, as well as a focus on understanding consumer needs and reworking product portfolios.
Banking & Securities
As the industry continues its crisis-related evolution in 2009, five emerging trends indicate a paradigm shift that would affect not only financial institutions, but also borrowers, investors and regulators.
Consumer Products
Supply chain concerns, sustainability/social responsibility, branding imperatives and an evolving regulatory environment are among the top issues facing consumer products companies in 2009.
Energy & Resources
To survive the current economy and prepare for an eventual upswing, companies should focus on maintaining liquidity, promoting operational efficiency and expanding long-term reserves through the drill-bit and acquisitions.
Health Sciences
Industry stakeholders must balance short-term needs to control costs, fill product pipelines and connect with consumers with the longer-term imperative to radically transform systems that threaten the sustainability of their organizations.
Media & Entertainment
In a sector already marked by significant change in recent years, the combination of new digital distribution modalities and evolving audience consumption habits will continue to challenge traditional business models.
Process & Industrial Products
Expect the sector to “hunker down” in 2009, as manufacturing companies focus on right-sizing, managing costs and working capital, and taking additional steps to weather a rapidly deteriorating global economy.
Real Estate
While real estate remains a relatively good investment option, especially in light of the recent volatility of competing asset classes, the sector itself faces several challenges that are symptomatic of a general economy in distress.
Retail
Retailers are facing a perfect storm of volatile energy prices, unfavorable demographics and a weakening dollar, and the marketplace changes occurring today could dramatically transform the industry of tomorrow.
Technology
Challenging economic times can create incredible opportunities for innovators, and technology is the home of innovation. Expect to see significant disruptive capabilities emerge — in products and services, as well as business models.
Telecom
It’s a brave new world for the U.S. telecommunications (telecom) industry, which is using the decline of traditional wireline voice communications as the impetus to radically reinvent itself.
Tourism, Hospitality, & Leisure
Companies can expect to be under continued duress well into 2009, but smart hospitality organizations with innovative and cost-effective programs will be able to increase customer loyalty and drive demand.
U.S. Federal and State Government
Even as the federal government struggles to manage the fallout from the financial system’s collapse and the nation’s slide into recession, agencies must continue to deliver the day-to-day services that keep this country running.

2009 Industry Outlook

Challenging times, emerging opportunities

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