Preface
This overview provides a summary of the key economic and technology
megatrends reshaping the global marketplace. To ensure the rigor of our research,
we relied on a blend of quantitative and qualitative analysis, including:
n A global survey of 363 C-suite level executives representing over $256bn of
global turnover and covering a broad range of industries, including financial
services, retail and consumer goods, manufacturing, life sciences and TICE
(technology, information, communication and entertainment).
n Oxford Economics’ integrated global economic and industry models to
forecast trends, explore alternative scenarios and gauge economic impact.
We also drew on Oxford’s extensive databases containing 25-year forecasts
and 30 years of historical data on 190 countries and 85 industrial sectors.
n A series of personal interviews and panel discussions (in New York, London
and San Francisco) with over 25 senior executives, partners and consultants
involved in digital strategy and corporate decision-making, including heads of
marketing, IT, strategy, finance and operations.
We would like to thank all the executives who took part in both the survey and
the qualitative research. We would also like to thank AT&T and Cisco for the use
of their Telepresence suites and advanced virtual technology to host our thought
leadership panel discussions.
AT&T, Cisco, Citi and SAP sponsored our research program. We are grateful for
the inputs of senior staff at each of these organizations, including:
n Bennett Ruiz and Stephane Leyvraz at AT&T
n Stuart Taylor at Cisco
n Gary Greenwald at Citi
n Kevin Cox and Linda Scenna at SAP
Oxford Economics carried out the research. The results of the study are the sole
responsibility of Oxford Economics and do not necessarily represent the views of
the sponsors. The full white paper, which will include detailed case studies and
deeper industry information, will be released in May 2011