This is our final article in a series of three, where we argued that deglobalization was a simplistic and inaccurate way to describe the current trajectory of trade and investment, and we looked ahead at challenges and opportunities for major businesses in a reglobalizing world. While we are optimistic about reglobalization, it will be disruptive to businesses in the near term. This discussion explores what senior executives in multinational corporations (MNC) face in terms of change forces and options, along with examples from actual change programs underway.
Large global businesses are not passive or reactive players in the emerging reglobalized world. Businesses expand and consolidate through organic growth and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, often crossing many borders in the process. Their financial scale, internal trade (with each other and amongst their own subsidiaries), and investments are themselves among the most powerful change agents shaping the future of world trade and investment.
