BCG in the News

Fortune

Companies Need to Be Socially Responsible in the Metaverse Too

Writing in Fortune, BCG’s François Candelon, Michael G. Jacobides, Lisa Krayer, and Winson Chen assert that companies must take digital social responsibility (DSR) seriously if they want to succeed in the metaverse. Attractive as the metaverse may be, gaming addiction, advertising aimed at children, and online harassment create novel challenges for businesses. To make the metaverse a safe place for all, companies must take a proactive approach by developing DSR strategies and industry-wide standards.

Bloomberg Businessweek Podcast

How CEOs Are Navigating the Current Economy

In an interview with the Bloomberg Businessweek Podcast, BCG’s Global Chair Rich Lesser discusses how CEOs are responding to current economic conditions. He explains that CEOs across industries are facing significant challenges, from geopolitical tensions to macroeconomic concerns. Although inflation pressures have eased a bit in the US, Lesser says ongoing economic uncertainty is pushing many CEOs to prioritize building resilient organizations. (Note: The interview with Lesser begins at the 22:00 mark of the podcast.)

Business Standard

Asia-Pacific Is Set to Outpace US Fintech Market

Commenting in Business Standard, BCG’s Deepak Goyal, Saurabh Tripathi, and Yashraj Erande outline how the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised to become the world’s top fintech market by 2030. According to a report from BCG and QED Investors, APAC has a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%, whereas the US has an estimated CAGR of just 17%. “Attractive demographics, native technology and engineering capabilities, and prudent regulations combined with the sheer necessity to innovate for accelerating the upliftment of a large mass of humanity make APAC the center of gravity for fintechs,” says Erande.

The Wall Street Journal

Protecting Privacy in AI-Driven Workplaces

Commenting in The Wall Street Journal, BCG’s Ajay Chowdhury says that companies must address concerns about privacy and security when implementing generative AI in the workplace. He suggests that companies create policies aimed at preventing employees from inputting sensitive data into AI chatbots and from sharing personal information. Despite the growing number of companies looking to implement AI-based tools, Chowdhury says that many are still unaware of the risks associated with the technology.

CNN: Quest Means Business

Will the Economy Define America’s 2024 Election?

In an interview with CNN’s Quest Means Business, BCG’s Global Chair Rich Lesser explains how the state of the job market and current economic headwinds could impact the next US presidential election. Lesser says that despite inflation, the economy will not be a defining factor for voters as geopolitical tensions and other contributing factors remain at the forefront. “Inflation is continuing to come down,” he notes, “and people tend to react to inflation on a very short-term basis.”

Modaes

La IA, la herramienta ignorada por los retailers para gestionar la cadena de suministro

Según el estudio realizado por el World Retail Congress (WRC) y Boston Consulting Group (BCG) los comerciantes minoristas podrían usar la IA para solucionar sus problemas de forma más fácil y efectiva. Joan Sol, socio y responsable de la práctica de Gran Consumo y Retail de BCG en España y Portugal afirma que "La gran mayoría de los distribuidores están pasando por alto la oportunidad de adoptar soluciones con tecnologías de inteligencia artificial", y describe la IA como "una ventaja competitiva que impulsará el negocio".

The Economic Times

The Role of Gas in India’s Energy Transition

Writing in The Economic Times, BCG’s Kaustubh Verma and Soumyasree Chakraborty outline the key role compressed natural gas and piped natural gas play in reaching India’s emission reduction goals. The authors write that city gas distribution (CGD) companies can contribute to the country’s energy transition, but they must think strategically. There are many possibilities for CGD companies to accelerate their growth, while also aiding in India’s sustainability efforts.

Business Insider

How Resilient CEOs Are Navigating Uncertainty

Commenting in Business Insider, BCG’s Gideon Walter discusses the actions that C-suite executives are taking to remain resilient in uncertain times. He emphasizes that companies evaluating cost-cutting actions should smartly define their approach and avoid making decisions with a “slash and burn” mindset. “It’s not simply cost out,” says Walter. “We need to invest in the future.”

The Hindu Business Line

How India Can Build Its Share in the Global Supply Chain

In an interview with The Hindu Business Line, BCG’s Nikolaus Lang says that India is poised for significant growth if the country confronts the challenges faced by its business systems and infrastructure. India’s geopolitical improvements and size have made the country a strong alternative in the global supply chain, says Lang. But the country must seek the right talent, port infrastructure, and trade regulations to increase its share in the global supply chain.

Vox

Building Stakeholder Trust in AI

Commenting in Vox, BCG’s Julia Dhar discusses how the slow implementation of artificial intelligence in the workplace serves as an opportunity to ensure AI is beneficial to both companies and workers. She also asserts, “We’ve talked about trustworthy AI, but we have talked hardly at all about trust between employers and employees, and how this could be a trust-building opportunity rather than a trust-destroying opportunity.”

Forbes

How Manufacturing Technology Can Benefit Workers

Writing in Forbes, BCG’s Deborah Lovich discusses the benefits that workers can draw from a fully automated workplace, including improved work-life balance and flexibility. In the short term, remote meetings and shift scheduling can be facilitated through technology, says Lovich. And while a fully automated workplace won’t happen overnight, the factory of the future will be controlled by its “digital twin”—a smart digital replica of what happens in a plant based on massive amounts of data collected by sensors—while upskilled employees monitor and oversee factory functions remotely.

Vogue Business

Why Luxury Fashion Brands Are Rethinking Their Sustainability Teams

Commenting in Vogue Business, BCG’s Jocelyn Wilkinson discusses how luxury fashion brands are now prioritizing sustainability in their C-Suites. She says that brands are giving the topic an executive direct line by reinventing sustainability teams to report directly to company leadership. “The head of sustainability needs leverage and influence within the organization,” Wilkinson says. “So their manager should be the CEO or CEO minus one.”