Whitepapers

The 2019 Australian Retail State of Technology Review was commissioned to examine and benchmark technology adoption among Australian retailers. Over 75 per cent of the 172 Australian retailers surveyed, believed that technological changes are causing a major disruption in the industry. Although both large and small retailers leverage technology, there is clearly an opportunity for stronger results – especially when solutions are used to connect siloed areas of the business.

One of the most important roles for chief executives is treading a line between actively pursuing growth and managing risks. And right now, there are plenty of risks. For instance, if you’re a CEO in Australia, you may need to deal with issues as diverse as falling commodity prices, an unpredictable currency and ever-changing industry regulations.

CEOs are responsible for the difficult choices – and often these choices are thrust upon them by issues that affect the business world at large. Many of these issues will be familiar to readers of this report. Though generally robust and stable, the Australian economy appears to be progressing through a period of uncertainty, buffeted by rising international competition (particularly from China), the end of the mining boom and reduced demand for key commodities such as coal and iron ore.

Last year ended not with a bang but with a whimper. Weak international trade and subdued investments affected global growth, bringing it to its slowest pace since 2009. The outlook for 2017 seems slightly brighter, but a number of unknowns loom on the horizon. From unpredictable political leaders to unclear economic policies and unresolved geopolitical agendas, the year ahead is fraught with uncertainty for decision-makers who rely on facts, patterns and trends to assess risks and shape strategies.

For the fourth consecutive year, Pronto Software has worked with The CEO Institute to conduct a survey of its members. During The CEO Institute Summit in 2018, more than 250 senior leaders across Australia, from diverse industries shared their feedback about:

• The most significant trends or challenges they expect their business to face in 2018
• The technology innovations they believe will significantly disrupt their business or market

As the industrial world evolves, its impact on the environment becomes more and more evident. We recognise the devastating effect of chemical pollutants on our air, our water, and the land itself. The world reacts to practices that deplete the ozone layer, affect the food chain, and endanger the oceans.