Future of business | In association with Swiss Re

Future of business

In the industrial era, a company’s business model didn’t change much. The way in which businesses developed, delivered and captured value would remain static for decades. But in today’s technologically advanced and globalised world, industries are being disrupted, enhanced and reinvented – at an exponential pace.

The velocity of change – and its breadth and sheer impact – is being felt in almost all countries, sectors and markets. Its impact extends to entire systems of production, supply chains, distribution, and in areas of management and governance.

In a six-part series, we look at the scale of change in the industries that are driving real innovation and shaping the future of business.

Future of renewable energy

Renewables: A transforming landscape
New technologies are revamping the renewable energy industry, enabling businesses to scale up production and achieve economies of scale. But new options, and even the better-established energies, still have some maturing to do
Running for cover: Insuring renewable projects
As tech innovation continues in the renewable energy space and projects scale ever bigger, conventional insurance options are unable to keep up and insurers are now wondering – what’s next?
Delay in start-up: Renewables need more
When embarking on a large renewable energy project, delay in start-up insurance is crucial – and obligatory. But can standard DSU offerings give renewable start-ups what they require, or are more tailored options needed?

Cloud cover: Finding alternatives

As the renewable energy sector is seeing its risk profile change dramatically, there is increased demand for ways to cover against arguably its greatest foe – unpredictable weather

The colour of our future

Renewable energy is booming as green goals are set, and insurers must get creative to offer bespoke coverage for this unique market. But could you commit to going 100% renewable? Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is doing just that.

Future of automotive

Mobility ecosystems: Driving change

Self-driving cars are speeding from the future into our present. But what effect will such tech have on the way we view transport, and crucially liability on the road? Insurers cannot afford to hit cruise control and wait to find out

Electric cars: Powering change

The market for petroleum alternatives like electric and hydrogen is accelerating but this developing tech brings new risks to the road. Risks that offer new opportunities to insurers

Production lines: Supplying change

The sheer numbers and complexity in car manufacturing supply chains make them exceptionally vulnerable. It takes a proactive approach to prevent production lines grinding to a halt

Insuring auto: It takes a partnership

When it comes to complexity of the supply chain, the car industry is in a league of its own. While Insurers can still do more to mitigate weak spots, the industry faces a rising protection gap, says Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ Philip Brandl

Future of manufacturing

Engineering the fourth industrial revolution

The digital transformation to mechanised production is increasingly taking humans out of the equation. But effective risk prevention demands in-person site visits and in-depth dialogue

The changing face of product recall

As both products and supply chains become more complex, is it surprising that recalls between manufacturers and their suppliers are more common?

Do digital supply chains really bring 100% transparency?

Digital supply chains may promise much sought-after transparency, but they could bring more unknowns as they raise questions about data security and compliance

Pushing the boundaries of traditional cover

In the bid to mitigate the intangible manufacturing supply chain risks, Konrad Meisterhans and Thomas Keist explain how innovative approaches such as parametric solutions can complement traditional products

Future of construction

A new dawn for the construction industry
As the world’s population continue to grow, demand for enhanced and new infrastructure has never been greater. This poses many challenges and intensifies the risks of project delays and cost overruns. But the tech revolution is bringing fresh new opportunities, albeit slowly
Printing grand designs
Highly cost-effective, energy-efficient, fast – 3D printing could be the future of homebuilding. But is the technology too new for insurers?
Cyber protection? Still under construction
Contractors and construction sites are becoming more digitised – leaving them exposed to cyber risks. But why would a hacker target a construction contractor?

Can construction truly go green?

After a sustained push to improve the energy efficiency of homes and offices, the focus has now shifted to the construction companies that build them – and they are not performing well

Expert view: A trusted partnership pays claims quicker

Construction claims can be highly intricate and, on occasion, contentious. In such situations, being able to build trust between key stakeholders within the claims process is vital if you are to achieve successful outcomes, says Jonathan Sargent, head of wholesale property & casualty claims, EMEA, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions

Future of food and drink

Digitising your dinner

With growing awareness of what can go wrong with their food before it reaches their plate, consumers are demanding more. Tracking technology and sensors could provide the answer

Future of food

Demand for fresh, fast, diverse food options is boosting innovation, but also unseen risks throughout the supply chain. In response comes a new age of insurance

Can science solve starvation?

The colossal imbalance between global hunger and food waste must be addressed. But opinions vary on the controversial measures that could feed the world

Intangible risks that break the chain

The way we get food across the globe is growing more complex, bringing unseen vulnerabilities to the supply chain, writes Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ food and agriculture expert Oleksandr Artiushyn

Future of renewable energy

Renewables: A transforming landscape

Running for cover: Insuring renewable projects

Delay in start-up: Renewables need more