What CEOs and top economists think...

What do the top CEOs of the top companies think they need to have to be good leaders in the next decade? And what do the top economists think where the global economy is headed towards?

The CEO results are here.

The top economists ideas are here.

Two contrasting takeaways from both these viewpoints:

Globalisation - Despite the pandemic and the clamour for protectionism, CEOs view a global outlook and looking beyond boundaries are still relevant for 2030.

As technology grows, the world becomes more connected and seems smaller. Each country used to be its economy, but now we can work with and communicate instantly with people all over the world. All businesses are now global and have the potential for worldwide employees and customers. Globalization brings complex geopolitical issues and great opportunities to collaborate and share cultures. Future leaders need to embrace globalization by becoming global citizens who appreciate different cultures and know how to communicate across cultural and language barriers. Different ideas should be viewed as opportunities, not fear-filled challenges. Leaders of the future need to pay attention to global issues and understand what is happening around the world.

And the pandemic hits the developing countries the most, the top economists say:

A move towards greater self-sufficiency as multinationals could do long-term damage to trading ties between high- and low-income countries. It remains to be seen, the report says, if businesses will be ready to give up efficiency for resilience. But uncertainty about the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and climate change-related events could cause more supply chain disruptions.

There is a “high likelihood” of supply chain transformation leading to a reversal of international economic convergence, according to respondents. This would force developing economies to reconsider their growth models.

We will have to wait and watch as to how the post-pandemic scenario will pan out for investments, trade, supply chains and globalisation. Will it lead to more regionalisation of supply chains, shifting of production back home or business as usual, albeit tempered.