Preparing for the next glocalisation: International business after covid-19

Globalisation was already under attack before covid-19 emerged. Protectionism and nationalism have been on the rise across the world. The pandemic has dealt the latest blow. Global trade is expected to fall by between 13% and 32% this year according to the World Trade Organization. With travel restrictions in place and geopolitical tensions intensifying, globalisation seems to have passed its peak. That is in spite of the fact that the world is more connected today than ever before. Digital technologies were widely adopted during the pandemic. As countries come out of lockdowns and resume economic activity at different paces, will multinational companies experience a new wave of “glocalisation”—focusing on domestic growth while deploying a global strategy?

Before covid-19, the world’s economic centre of gravity had been shifting, largely due to China’s influence. Will the country’s early recovery pull the economic centre even further east? How should multinationals plan strategically for growth, both globally and in Asia? How should businesses respond to fast-changing regulatory and legal frameworks in uncertain times? How should companies operate in economies with quarantines while seeking investment opportunities and access to talent? How will technology affect day-to-day operations?

As businesses prepare for the covid-19 recovery, this webinar will gather a panel of experts and business leaders to discuss the risks and opportunities in the current crisis and explore what the new “glocal” company could look like.