More transactions are taking place across more borders, and the changing global regulatory environment is forcing businesses to react to ensure compliance while managing new risks. Technology is a hot-spot – it’s changing business models, improving processes, and opening new markets, but also creating volumes of new data that must be managed, supported, and secured.
To gain greater insight into how increasing complexity is impacting business around the world, and how business leaders are responding, KPMG International conducted research globally, speaking with 1,400 senior corporate decision makers from 22 countries representing seven main business sectors.
The research shows that the issue of complexity has risen to the top of the business agenda. Senior decision makers we spoke with recognize complexity as a critical issue that their companies must take significant actions to address.
The vast majority of executives say complexity has increased in the last two years, and most expect it to increase over the next two years. These executives see complexity not only as a source of additional risk and cost, but most also believe that complexity is creating new opportunities. Opportunities to take a fresh look at their strategy, rethink their business model, and make operational improvements to gain competitive advantage.
The following report provides an in-depth review of findings from the research along with insights from KPMG business leaders on what the findings mean and how businesses can address the critical issues raised. We hope the report will help you to better understand the causes and impact of complexity, and ways to integrate actions into your strategies that will not only help you to manage the challenges that lie ahead, but also to take better advantage of new opportunities.
Timothy P. Flynn
Chairman
KPMG International