Global megatrends

POPULATION GROWTH AND URBANISATION

Continuing population growth and urbanisation are reshaping the world. Global population is estimated to exceed nine billion by 2050. It may well continue to eleven by the end of the century.

About 30 years ago, there were only three to four cities in the world with a population above ten million. By 2020, we will have over 20 cities with over ten million inhabitants. Furthermore, there will be a rapidly increasing number of mid-size cities (3-7 million) growing mainly in the emerging countries like China, Brazil and India.

Growing cities need infrastructure, transportation systems, energy, water and sanitation. With combined expertise in all of these areas, Pöyry has numerous opportunities provided by this trend

SHIFT IN THE ECONOMIC BALANCE OF POWER

The world will face a new reality as global education levels converge, access to technology is everywhere, supply chains are increasingly global and the access to world markets is a click away.

Millions of people have joined the Western lifestyle in the last 30 years, and more will follow. China, India, Brazil and Russia are already important new markets, but there are 20 additional emerging countries that are becoming new key markets for all companies.

For Pöyry, this megatrend means that we will adopt our strategies for finding and sourcing new talent, technology and ideas. We intend to establish a strong, long-term position in selected emerging markets, especially in Brazil, Russia and Asia but we will also continue to strengthen our position in the traditional core markets in Central and Southern Europe.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

The planet is consuming more than its fair share of resources and this is not sustainable. This megatrend is compounded and multiplied by population growth, industrialisation, and the Western lifestyle aspirations of millions of people in the emerging markets.

It is evident that we are heading towards an era where all new and incremental growth will need to be, at a minimum, sustainable and may-be even need to contribute a positive footprint to the eco- and socio-economic systems.

Taking an active role in helping the world achieve sustainability is both a noble challenge and a great opportunity for Pöyry. Our knowledge in Industry, Energy, Urban & Mobility and Water & Environment spearheads our position in these important sectors.

REDIRECTION OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

The technological revolution of the last 100 years has probably been the greatest value-creating factor in history and brought immense improvement in lifestyle, health, comfort and possibilities, even if some negative effects came about as well.

The pace of rapid innovation will only continue to accelerate in the coming decades, although its focus is now gradually moving toward new areas, such as biological sciences, environmental issues, energy needs, nano-technology, biogenetics, biochemistry and even new frontiers of the digital world.

This development represents huge possibilities for Pöyry. We aim to take a stronger role in understanding emerging technologies, seeing the potential for use in the industries we serve, and helping clients and society to capture the benefits that arise from these innovations.

COMPLEXITY IS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN ITSELF

All these megatrends add to the complexity that our customers confront in their day-to-day business. Taking the role as a high knowledge consultant in complex issues will further strengthen our margins, market position and brand recognition.

Complex issues require a systemic approach and multidisciplinary knowledge. Only an organisation that can harness, deploy and integrate such multidimensional knowledge into practical, balanced and systemic solutions can achieve sustainable growth in this environment.

Pöyry's ability to understand and solve complex problems that clients and society face is the company's main differentiator and tool for value creation. Pöyry's skills, talent and global perspective are differentiating factors, offering a unique proposition. Mastering this complexity is one of our competitive advantages.