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Industries in 2014

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Industries in 2014

A special report from The Economist Intelligence Unit

EIU,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Executives worldwide predict the 2014 fortunes of six major industries.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Visionary

Recommendation

The Economist Intelligence Unit asked 647 senior-level industrial executives worldwide to predict 2014 activity in six major industries: automotive, consumer goods and retail, energy, financial services, health care, and telecommunications. Overall, respondents expect an upbeat year after a disappointing 2013. They believe the new year will bring increased competition and a continuing focus on developing economies. Specifically, they say that: Vehicle sales in newer economies will trump those in established markets; web and mobile devices will continue to transform retailing; energy dynamics will shift according to sector; realistic reforms will make bank failures less likely; health care spending will increase worldwide; and telecom growth will be greatest in developing economies. This concise but informative report ends with a useful list of industry milestones, conferences and meetings. The rank and experience of the respondents and the foresight of the 2013 report suggest to getAbstract that the bulk of these predictions have merit for decision makers, investors and planners in these sectors – as well as for economists and policy makers around the globe.

Summary

How 2013 Predictions Played Out

Last year’s Industries in 2013 report focused the prospects for the automotive, consumer goods and retail, energy, financial services, health care, and telecommunications industries. That survey’s collective foresight proved largely accurate. Respondents were right when they forecast that the volatility of auto sales would diminish. They anticipated that “showrooming,” the use of mobile devices to make in-store purchases, would rise. They were accurate that higher capital requirements would drag down bank lending and that investment in “super-fast broadband” would soar. Slightly off-the-mark were their projections of a rush to exploit “unconventional hydrocarbons” through fracking and related technologies, and their predictions that China and India would take more steps to bolster their pharmaceutical industries.

Looking Ahead to 2014

Executives are bullish on 2014, largely because it looks as if Europe is finally on the rebound, suggesting an uptick in auto and retail sales, and better overall financial stability. North America looks strong, particularly in the energy sector. Growth in China will be “satisfactory, if...

About the Author

The Economist Intelligence Unit is an independent research and analysis organization.


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