BCG PerspectivesMore from BCG PerspectivesAll TechnologySmart-Meter Manufacturers May Become Powerful Gatekeepers Between Retail Energy Companies, CustomersFor retail energy companies, managing data once meant nothing more complex than processing analog meter readings and customer billing information. However, the advent of the smart home, along with the wave of digitization sweeping the industry, is creating major opportunities to tap into an explosion of fast-moving, complex big data in compelling new ways.August 5, 2014High-Tech/ElectronicsChinese Consumers Seem Poised to Spend More on Retail This YearLast year, China experienced a decline in GDP growth, along with a steep drop in consumer sentiment exacerbated by an anti-corruption campaign that dampened the intention to spend in lower-tier cities in particular. This year, although business activity was slow in the first quarter, the economy has shown signs of stabilizing, with improved consumption growth. After dropping to a five-year low in January and February, total retail-sales growth increased in May to 12.5 percent, its fastest pace since December of 2013.July 29, 2014Business Strategy AlignmentEquilibrium in Workforce Supply & Demand Is Exception Today, Not the Norm, Study SaysEvery economy's ability to compete depends on a steady supply of human capital and talent. When that supply is inadequate, imbalances result, creating serious threats not only to the economy but also to social and political stability and future development. This impact, moreover, extends beyond borders.July 18, 2014All LogisticsBest Practices Can Help Overcome Transnational Infrastructure ChallengesTransnational infrastructure programs, such as cross-border railway networks and electricity distribution systems, can increase regional trade, prosperity, stability and integration. That is part of the rationale of the Priority Action Plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP), encompassing 51 programs and with an investment need of $68bn up to the year 2020. Such programs face formidable challenges, however.May 12, 2014Consumer Packaged GoodsIn Two More Years, China Will Have Close to 400 Million E-shoppersChina is going digital very quickly. By 2016, the country will have more than 730 million internet users and more than 380 million online shoppers, up from 460 million and 145 million, respectively, in 2010.April 23, 2014Business Strategy AlignmentIt's Time to Catch Up if You Don't Already Know How to Market to MillennialsSuccess in marketing to U.S. millennials"”the generation of people now 18 to 34 years old"”will be critical to companies across product and service categories. One reason, of course, is that millennials represent the consumer market of the future.January 17, 2014All TechnologyBig Data Is Good, But Fast Big Data Is Much BetterWhile the press and many companies continue to marvel at the sheer volume of data being generated and captured in the internet era, forward-leaning corporations have already recognized that big data's transformative potential to generate value in both the digital and physical realms will go largely unrealized unless it's complemented by speed. Fast data can unlock the value-creating power of big (and small) data.December 20, 2013Business Strategy AlignmentPerhaps It's Time to Reassess Your Strategy for Entering Emerging MarketsWhat should we make of the volatility that seems to be suddenly sweeping some of the world's most dynamic developing economies, including China, India, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, and Mexico?November 7, 2013Business Strategy AlignmentMoving Away from Cost Reduction to Cost ExcellenceThe list of challenges facing corporate leaders today is lengthy. It includes globalization, rapidly shifting market dynamics, fallout from the European debt crisis, and a potential slowdown in Asia. It is unclear how these economic trends will play out and what impact they will have on industries and countries. Companies will also be faced with unexpected turbulence, whether in the form of adverse changes in their business or the arrival of tough new competitors. All this makes it more critical than ever before for corporate leaders to closely scrutinize the cost side of their income statement.August 20, 2013All TechnologyBy 2020, Digital Ecosystem Could Bring Internet of Things to ConsumersThe everyday consumer world of 2020 will look radically different from today's. Most ordinary devices in the home - heating systems, televisions, cars, watches, toys, light bulbs, sporting goods, home appliances - will have gone digital. They will no longer be islands unto themselves: they will be connected to the internet and to each other in altogether new ways.July 31, 2013Previous PagePage 5 of 7Next Page
