A new age of competition reshaping global business

Global business leaders are navigating an increasingly complex risk environment as geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change and societal pressures converge. 

Insights from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 developed by Zurich Insurance Group and Marsh McLennan, highlight how these forces are reshaping the business landscape—and why building resilience has never been more critical.

The report, informed by perspectives from more than 1,300 global experts, underscores that deepening geopolitical divisions are now a defining feature of the global risk outlook. Geoeconomic confrontation and state based conflict remain top immediate risks, while misinformation, disinformation and rising societal polarization are escalating rapidly over the near term, amplifying uncertainty for organisations worldwide.

At the same time, critical infrastructure remains dangerously under prioritised. As economies become more interconnected and exposed to extreme weather events, cyber threats and geopolitical shocks, underinvestment in infrastructure resilience represents a growing systemic vulnerability. The potential consequences—supply chain disruptions, service outages and economic instability—reinforce the urgent need for sustained investment and coordinated action to strengthen essential systems.

Technological acceleration is adding further complexity. Advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing are transforming industries, productivity and decision making at unprecedented speed. While these technologies offer significant opportunity, they also introduce new risks—from heightened cyber exposure to workforce disruption—that demand modernised governance, collaboration and risk frameworks.

As a strategic partner of the World Economic Forum and a contributor to its Global Risks Advisory Board, Zurich continues to support deeper understanding of the evolving risk landscape. By combining global insight with practical risk expertise, we remain focused on helping businesses anticipate emerging threats, adapt with confidence and build resilience—today and for the long term.