Rethinking Operations for a Two-Speed World

Global companies face a radically altered business landscape following the Great Recession, most notably a slowdown in world economic growth compared to levels predating the global financial crisis. What’s more, the growth pattern is uneven. A “two-speed” world is emerging, characterized by slow growth in the developed countries of Europe, North America, and Japan, and faster growth in rapidly developing economies such as China, India, and Brazil. To succeed in this “new normal,” companies must develop different strategies, new products, and innovative, low-cost operating models. This special report explores how companies must rethink every aspect of their operations to compete in two fundamentally different environments.

This report was jointly published by BCG’s Operations practice and Knowledge@Wharton, the online publishing venture of The Wharton School.