From fragmenting global power to widening gaps in health and wealth, disruptive forces are reshaping industries, economies and societies. RBC’s latest Imagine research identifies five new converging themes and analyzes how they might play out. In this episode, Nik Modi, Global Co-Head of Consumer Research, and Robert Kwan, Head of Global Power Utilities and Infrastructure Research, look ahead to the implications for policy, trade, and individuals.

• Five new forces of exponential change are explored in RBC’s latest Imagine research.
• These cross-sector trends are reshaping individual consumer experiences as well as geopolitics.
• Transformative technologies are starting to revolutionize production and supply.
• Geopolitical convulsions provide an opportunity for North American energy export.
• Businesses need to adopt strategies to stay resilient and thrive in this dynamic environment.

Chapter Markers

• Introductions [00:10]

Host Joe Coletti introduces the podcast and guests: Nik Modi, Global Co-Head of Consumer Research, and Robert Kwan, Head of Global Power Utilities and Infrastructure Research. They summarize the RBC Imagine research project and the latest update, which identifies five new globally transformative forces.

• Consumer Experience [05:53]

The convergence of global forces is set to impact consumer experience and behavior, including through greater personalization. Retail and commerce can respond by transforming their business models.

• Tech and Energy [12:59]

Speed to market is driving datacenter development as technology growth and energy constraints converge. The aftermath of the Iran war provides opportunity for North America, and particularly Canada, to export more energy to countries that have relied on the Middle East.

• Responding to Cross-Sector Forces [14:11]

Companies can build resilience through measures such as partnerships, supply chain remodeling and employee training. Cross-sector opportunities are emerging from increasing energy demand.