IMA Insights

Many companies are thinking through a China plus one strategy, with new capacities being created in Eastern Europe and Mexico. In any case China’s labour cost arbitrage no longer works, as wages have jumped over the course of the past five years. Consequently, new manufacturing locations that have robust infrastructure, low taxes and an efficient and predictable judiciary are benefitting from the reallocation of capital. But China will continue to play a role for a long time to come, as this podcast explains. 

IMA’s latest quarterly Business Confidence and Performance Index (BCPI) survey reveals a mild downtrend in business expectations, with the headline indicator falling from 62.1 to 60.2. The extensive survey involved responses from 200 respondents across various sectors including, but not limited to, BFSI, Industrial Manufacturing. Chemicals, Logistics, Consumer Goods etc. At a recent joint online session of the India CEO, CFO, CMO and CHRO Forums, we presented the headline results from the latest edition of the BCPI. This podcast summarises the same

For long, Indian start-ups have been the subject of lively conversations owing to skyrocketing valuations and an abundance of capital. However, they are now experiencing rough weather. Layoffs, markdowns and, in some cases, suspension of operations have been the consistent story over the past few weeks. Contrast this to 2021, when a record number of 45 unicorns were created with a combined valuation of over USD 93 billion. In 2022, this number is down to less than half. The downward trend continues into 2023, with even lower levels of fundraising seen in Q1.
This podcast, which is based on IMA India's in-house research, looks into the funding trends of start-ups, the changing nature of the valuation game and the way forward. 

As a productivity enhancement tool, generative AI helps solve complex problems rapidly. It scans vast amounts of data to produce insights that traditional methods would take far longer. ChatGPT, for instance, works with complex algorithms to produce information and unlike traditional AI systems, that stick to pre-set rules, it can create something new by examining patterns within existing data sets. A well publicised application of generative AI is in language processing. It can construct original text or dialogue. ChatGPT, has the capacity to generate human-like responses to text prompts and is consequently ideal for chatbots as a customer service tool. 
But the applications of generative AI are several, as this podcast explains.

With reasonable assumptions on economic growth and that we sail a steady ship, without extreme shocks – either economic, social or political – India’s economy should touch USD 6-7 trillion by 2031-2032. That is not too far away and businesses need to get their plans sorted to tap this remarkable opportunity. 
By 2035, India’s consuming classes will comprise of 120 million ‘households’ with an annual income exceeding USD 30,000. Of this about 40 million households will have an average income exceeding USD 50,000 per annum. This segment would constitute the fat-belly of the market-place. This podcast explains. 

Change is the only constant in a world marked by shifting alliances and evolving material conditions. The geopolitical arena we find ourselves in today is likely to be completely unrecognisable by 2030. What developments should business leaders keep in mind when formulating an organisational strategy looking ahead? This podcast offers a fuller commentary on the subject.

As of now, we do not subscribe to the view that interest rates have peaked in India and a quarter percentage increase will possibly take place. The Fed, too, may announce a 25 bps hike in the coming months. Bond yields in India, on the other hand, are close to their peak and treasury managers should consider locking in their investments for now. CFOs must also keep an eye on liquidity, should external conditions cast a shadow upon the Indian financial market place. This podcast explains.

In the worldwide push for sustainability, lithium has been a key ingredient facilitating the transition to zero-emission energy use. Lithium-ion batteries boast a high voltage per cell ratio and have a lower impact than lead-acid batteries. The growing global demand for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries poses a challenge for India, a country that relies heavily on imports for lithium and Li-ion batteries. As analysts grow concerned about a potential world-wide lithium supply crunch, what can India do to secure its future lithium needs? This paper discusses the current market for Li-ion batteries in India, recent developments in global lithium supply chains and the channels India may use to secure lithium. 

To be a resilient and successful enterprise in the 21st century means embracing digital transformation initiatives. However, it can be a challenge to understand where to start, what to focus on, and how to evaluate your organisation’s digital maturity. IMA India recently conducted a survey-based study in partnership with ThoughtWorks, a leading technology and management consultancy, to understand the digital readiness of the organisations. A series of panel discussions across cities brought out the experiences of IMA's CEO Forum members about this journey. This podcast offers a brief summary of the session along with a fuller commentary.

Is this the start of something big or is it simply a mirage? Believe or disbelieve, Artificial Intelligence is the new kid in town. Big tech has pumped billions of dollars, in the likes of ChatGPT and other AI generative models, in the hope of scrounging huge returns in the years ahead. App developers, venture capitalists, privately funded laboratories, web-platform businesses are amongst hordes of entities jostling to find a place in what will emerge as the new marvel. This podcast explains.