Strategy & growth

How local is your global growth strategy?

AAs CEOs focus on getting their business models right for an interconnected global economy, many recognize that the sources of growth are very much local. Consider changing customer demand, the biggest driver of change to US corporate strategy. Success involves understanding customer segmentation – such as rural-urban and high income-low income -- and the dynamics driving it. For example, Africa, the new frontier for global businesses, comprises more than 50 countries at different stages of development and with varied practices and regulations.

Even the vast markets of China and India are hardly monolithic, as evident from their cultural diversity, inconsistent provincial government policies, etc. Having a truly global strategy is about continuously rebalancing opportunities and risks, encompassing business imperatives such as talent, innovation, and regulation, at local levels.

Featured strategy & growth insights

10Minutes on why you want to get into healthcare Healthcare is expected to reach nearly 20% of the US gross domestic product by 2019 and is bursting with new products and services. PwC surveyed US consumers and found they would be willing to spend more than $13 billion a year of their own money on those new services. It’s the promise of those new products and services that is enticing more and more businesses to turn to the US health system as an opportunity for innovation, differentiation, and profits.
Game on: Mega-event infrastructure opportunities Regional planners and government officials must plan ahead, sometimes decades in advance, for the infrastructure — transportation, energy, telecommunications, water, and sanitation — required by athletes and spectators of mega-events. But what becomes of that supporting infrastructure after the athletes and spectators have gone home? How a government body — national, regional or municipal — plans for the legacy of supporting infrastructure can have a ripple effect on the development of a region, the transformative effect of well-thought-out supporting infrastructure has long-lasting economic, demographic, and social implications for the entire region.
10 Minutes on doing deals in China M&A in China is booming, but the rules for acquiring a stake in the world’s fastest-growing economy have changed. China’s 12th Five-Year Plan envisions a more urban, equitable, consumption-driven and cleaner China.
A&D Insights: Gaining technological advantage Gaining and protecting market share in the globally competitive Aerospace & defense (A&D) industry hinges on technological differentiation, which is driven by an innovation imperative for the industry. PwC interviewed A&D CEOs and senior executives about new technologies and adjacent markets where they are focusing their efforts to drive lasting growth.
US CEO survey: Building the next competitive advantage PwC's 2010 Annual Global CEO Survey Report, launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, examines how CEOs perceive the business environment, how globalization affects their companies and their outlook for business growth.
Cities of Opportunity: Detailed study of the world’s leading financial and commercial centers A report by PwC and the Partnership for New York City studies 21 worldwide centers of finance, commerce and innovation for lessons on what makes cities thrive.
View 12: Taking stock and looking ahead Concerning the state of the economy, the chatter of pundits is deafening and often confusing. Only a few voices have been able to pierce through the noise with meaningful analysis and forecasting. Chief among them is Kenneth S. Rogoff. Economist, professor, best-selling author, and media commentator, Dr. Rogoff delivers a point of view that is provocative, cogent, and thought provoking. In this interview, he brings his unique perspective to questions about our economy and our future.
10Minutes on Global Infrastructure 10Minutes on Global Infrastructure looks at the global focus on infrastructure. It highlights the substantial potential payoff for investments and examines why business and government will increasingly join forces to finance, build and operate transportation and other infrastructure projects.

Related strategy & growth insights

Capital markets in 2025
PwC's survey Capital Markets in 2025 provides input and analysis from 400 senior company executives around the world for their input on factors that are influencing the development of equity capital markets. One of the key findings is that China is predicted to be a favored destination for capital market expansion.

US real estate insights, September 2011
PwC shares the results of the second quarter real estate investor survey; how volatility in global capital markets has tempered optimism in the real estate capital market; how recent accounting changes could affect property owners' financial reporting and business models; and an update on tax reporting requirements for foreign investors.

Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and PwC 2011 financial performance report
The current digital shopping era means companies can maximize multichannel growth. Here you can read about the impact of business mobility on individual and corporate productivity, and the importance of retailer/supplier collaboration. Other interesting trends unfolding and explored here are consumer sustainability demands and how companies are putting digital data to good use in their international expansion plans.

Supply chain management: Achieving agility through the sales inventory operations planning process
Developing a vibrant supply chain that responds with agility to changing conditions is essential to achieving a competitive advantage. The direct route to this is through a rigorous sales inventory operations planning (SIOP) process. But how effective are corporate leaders’ SIOP processes? PwC stresses the urgent for a review to make sure the process can control costs, reduce capital expenses and improve customer service.

Customer profitability in the communications industry
Your company’s making a good profit, thanks to your customers. But have you ever considered how customers contribute individually to your bottom line? PwC can help you measure customers’ unique actions, and assess vendors to help you identify the right solution for your needs. The end result? You’re now equipped with key insights into the day-to-day operations that directly affect your customers’ satisfaction and your revenues.

2010 Financial performance report
PwC commissioned whitepaper for the Grocery Manufacturers Association /Food Products Association (GMA/FPA) the offers a discussion of financial performance highlights specific to the manufacturer's customer, the retailer, and a review of some retailer-specific issues and trends.

The CIO
Though c-suite executives are pretty comfortable with technology these days, they can work with their CIOs and CTOs to use new technology to build competitive advantage. With new products and services, CIOs and CTOs are helping to win loyal customers while running increasingly efficient IT organizations. Is your company embracing these opportunities? If not, here’s some insight into what you can do.

Maximizing internal audit
In this business brief, PwC shows how enhancing Internal Audit's role can help you reduce risks, optimize costs, and execute your growth strategies.

Post-crisis boardrooms
It’s a year into the financial meltdown. What have directors been thinking and doing about it? Some are putting off key changes to operations and business models until regulators and Congress resolve policy issues like healthcare, greenhouse gas emissions, financial regulation, and executive compensation. Others aren’t waiting around for that to happen. They’re seizing growth opportunities now.

Behind the numbers: Medical cost trends for 2010
Even after the US economy recorded its worst contraction in a quarter-century in late 2008 and early 2009, medical costs continued to grow. The perplexing contrast of increasing health spending amid a deflated general economy will present employers with unique challenges for their 2010 healthcare benefits strategies.

Advisory campaign: Is it wrong to feel optimistic...
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to feelings. We’ve all experienced the ups and downs provoked by the daily news cycle. How to get that glass-half-full attitude back for good: Focus on what you can do to be better, stronger, and even more adept than you are today. Is it wrong to feel optimistic?

View: spring 09 - Bubbles, bailouts, and banks
What are the causes of and solutions to the economic problems we currently face? Yale economist, Robert Shiller, shares his views on the basics, starting with the subprime loan industry’s role in the housing bubble, and how certain risks – like the huge increase in the money supply and the Fed balance sheet – could lead to inflation, and ultimately stagflation if unemployment remains high. Read the complete interview here.

US stimulus package
How will the $787 billion stimulus package put forth by President Obama really affect business and the economy? Will it have the desired impact it claims? Will it force you to change your business strategy and what will you have to keep in mind concerning accountability, transparency and control? Take 10Minutes to find out now...

Making divestitures successful
What disadvantages do sellers face from the credit crisis, volatile stock markets and the recession? They have fewer buyers, more caution and lower deal multiples. In response, companies are exploring their options – like divestitures – as a way of raising cash, shedding debt and improving performance. Here we share some ideas on how you can make divestitures successful for your company.

American Perspectives
Against the backdrop of a declining dollar and unrest stemming from foreign wars and terrorism, it’s easy for US businesses and Americans to grow pessimistic. Turbulence in the financial services industry; the rising cost of energy, food and healthcare; and a weak housing market have only added to those concerns. However, a step back reveals that our resilient economy offers ample reason for optimism.

Cities of Opportunity: Detailed study of the world’s leading financial and commercial centers
What makes cities thrive? This year's report covers 26 cities in-depth and examines issues and insights from urban thinkers and influencers. Choose any combination of 26 cities and 66 key variables and compare the rankings that interest you.

How to build an agile foundation for change: Achieving operational excellence series
Today’s environment of constant change requires a new approach to agility and business strategy – an approach that’s key to thriving amid change. Failing to anticipate change can exact a hefty price. Inflexible or outdated business models can lead to huge missed market opportunities and dissatisfied customers. So what should your company do to plan for change effectively?

Mergers and acquisitions
Expensing transaction and restructuring costs, and the broader use of fair value concepts will increase audit transparency and dilute earnings. How will operating and financial performance metrics be affected and should shareholders reassess the content they present in communications?