Global Risk Atlas 2024: from risk to opportunity

• Together with Trends-Tendances, Credendo published the second edition of its Global Risk Atlas, which sees a number of experts take stock of the global panorama
• Complete with five maps on specific themes, the atlas provides an overview of the main risks facing our world and exporters today: geopolitical tensions, the new global economic order, critical raw materials, cybercrime and the climate challenge
• But where there is risk, there is often opportunity. The atlas offers plenty to ponder on the possibilities for businesses: alliances, agreements, new industrial projects, efficiency and optimisation, and innovative technologies

The first section of the atlas examines risks in the geopolitical sphere, from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to mounting tensions between the United States and China, with the conflict in the Middle East also coming to the fore. All of these frictions have repercussions for the economy and security, which are keenly felt in international relations, not to mention the rise of populism. The second section looks at the risks of a new global economic order. Our experts consider the emergence of increasingly transient global alliances, which tend to coalesce around national geopolitical interests at the expense of the traditional norms of trade and international cooperation. They point to how value and production chains are being reconfigured towards friendshoring and nearshoring – shifting manufacturing to allied or nearby countries – as is plain to see with critical raw materials and strategic goods.

This year’s edition devotes an entire section to resource-related risks. The advent of technologies used to halt climate change and usher in a digital society has precipitated a scramble for critical metals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt and copper, as well as rare earth materials. In section three, our experts take stock of the challenges and opportunities facing our continent. In its desire to rid itself of its economic dependence on a select number of countries, Europe is seeking to reshape its industrial policy and diversify supply lines, at a time when some raw materials are firmly within the grasp of a group of countries from other continents.

The industrial transition, which once again puts the climate challenge in the spotlight, is also analysed from the perspective of opportunity: decarbonisation, new innovations in industry, and the circular economy – plus new behaviours.

A new feature of this year's edition sees an entire section set aside to the risk of cyberattacks: a major threat aided and abetted by artificial intelligence. In little over two decades, digital technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives and our businesses. As Nabil Jijakli, Deputy CEO of Credendo, points out: “Cybersecurity is also a geopolitical issue. Cybercrime and online attacks are having more and more sway in the political debate, and we have seen how it can influence elections. Digital technology is being weaponised by numerous countries”. It is also an economic weapon that can be used to undermine businesses and various fields of activity, or simply to extort money, which makes businesses a prime target.

All five topics in this year’s Global Risk Atlas were the subject of a televised debate on Canal Z. The discussions were also recorded as podcasts, which are available at www.credendo.com/en/podcasts.

Spokesperson:                
Nabil Jijakli                  
Deputy CEO                    
rue Montoyerstraat 3                
1000 Brussels                    
E n.jijakli@credendo.com
M +32 478 25 11 33

Press contact:
Hélène Leto
Head of Communication
E h.leto@credendo.com
M +32 478 73 01 89