Services adapted for the short- and long-term
Beyond the current crisis, preparing for the long-term future means being aware of the world’s great transformations. By defining and analyzing 11 major megatrends with demographic, social, environmental, economic and technological implications, Sodexo is fine-tuning its strategy and adapting its offers. Some of these megatrends are accelerating faster than others as a result of Covid-19 and Sodexo is ready to respond and seize the opportunities.
Demographic shifts
Developed countries are faced with a rapidly aging population due in part to slow population growth estimated at 2.9% between 2015 and 2030. Meanwhile, developing countries, will experience an average population growth of 18.5% between 2015 and 2030 (1).
Urbanization
Rapid urbanization is contributing to the increase in GDP per capita, but the emergence of mega-cities (>10 million inhabitants) is creating enormous economic and social challenges. Urbanization projects are expected to be impacted in the short- term but will continue to expand in the long-term.
Emerging middle class
Education and technologies are transforming consumption modes and habits. The middle class, whose purchasing power is on the rise and which will represent most of the consumers in 2022, are dedicating an increasing share of their budget to health and wellness, leisure and culture.
Global economy
Capital, information and talent are now interconnected, providing companies with new sources of growth. As globalization continues to shape the economy, we expect a push toward regional and local sourcing as well.
Developing markets
Developing markets are creating wealth for millions of people. Their weight in the world economy is increasing due to rapid population growth seven times faster than that of developed countries, combined with the rise of the middle class.
Public deficits
The weight of public debt is leading governments to consider more efficient ways to provide public services and to outsource certain services, more so in the current crisis. Between now and 2030, rising public deficits and persistent youth unemployment will strongly impact public policies and taxation.
Environmental issues and resource scarcity
8.6 billion inhabitants in 2030: the demographic boom is weighing on natural resources, heightening global warming and disrupting traditional consumption pattern. The current crisis has raised the level of consciousness on this issue.
Empowered consumers
Consumers and clients now have unlimited access to information and expect personalized services and experiences. The current crisis has definitely accelerated this trend, empowering consumer communities
Digital transformation
Technology disrupts the relationship between companies and users and generate new expectations. As the value of data grows, offering new insights and usages, companies are able to increasingly personalize their offers.
Ownership vs. use
Why buy if you can subscribe or rent? Collaborative platforms are revolutionizing business models and buying behaviors. With their lower capital intensity, these business models can generate much more rapid growth than traditional ones.
Future of work
Disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics or the Internet of Things... all are profoundly transforming the world of work. To succeed, companies must support employability and attract talent.
1 Roland Berger Trend Compendium, UN DESA.