Tag: Sustainable Development Goals

Navigating the Summit: Tech’s Role in Achieving the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Vision | Blog

Technology stands at the forefront in realizing Davos 2024’s vision of “Rebuilding Trust.” By providing innovative strategies and solutions, the technology sector can help address cybersecurity, job creation, artificial intelligence, and climate challenges. For a preview of the critical topics that world leaders will address at the annual event, read on.

As we stand on the precipice of a new year, the global community is gearing up for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos. This pivotal event from Jan. 15-19 brings together leaders from across industries to collectively address the world’s most pressing challenges.

In 2024, the spotlight is on “Rebuilding Trust,” with a focus on restoring collective agency and reinforcing fundamental principles of transparency, consistency, and accountability among leaders. Let’s take a glimpse into the themes that will shape the conversations at Davos. Also, see this LinkedIn Live, Pressing Global Issues and Solutions in Tech: Reflections on WEF Davos ’24, for key takeaways from the WEF annual meeting and major trends in the climate and sustainability tech and services industry that are changing the marketplace in 2024.

The 2024 theme: Rebuilding trust

The overarching theme for Davos 2024 underscores the critical need to rebuild trust in a world marked by fractures and uncertainties. The summit aims to catalyze actionable solutions that transcend borders and industries, placing businesses at the forefront of global collaboration.

Against this backdrop, the role of the technology and technology services sectors takes center stage, offering innovative strategies and solutions to address the following four subtopics outlined for this year’s summit:

  1. Achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world

In an era of geopolitical complexities, achieving security and cooperation is paramount. The technology sector, with its expertise in cybersecurity and collaborative technologies, has a unique role to play. Beyond safeguarding digital assets, tech can foster global cooperation through secure communication platforms and advanced analytics for early threat detection.

  1. Creating growth and jobs for a new era

For the technology services sector, the second subtopic hits close to home. The emphasis on creating growth and jobs in a new era aligns with impact sourcing, an inclusive talent strategy that empowers marginalized communities by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities. As we navigate an ever-evolving workforce landscape, technology can be a driving force in fostering inclusive economic growth.

  1. Artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already transformed the technology and technology services sectors, and its impact is only poised to expand further. From personalizing training programs to enhancing productivity and offering expanded service offerings, AI is a linchpin in shaping the future of work. Davos provides an unparalleled platform to discuss responsible AI practices that prioritize ethical considerations and human-centric approaches.

  1. A long-term strategy for climate, nature, and energy

The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more evident. The technology sector is pivotal in developing sustainable solutions and innovative approaches to mitigate climate change’s impact. From energy-efficient technologies to data-driven insights for environmental conservation, tech leaders at Davos can forge a path toward a greener, more sustainable future.

As Everest Group anticipates the discussions at Davos, we recognize the transformative role that the technology and technology services sectors can play. By aligning with the summit’s themes and subtopics, the tech industry has the potential to contribute significantly to rebuilding trust and shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous global future. for a LinkedIn Live conversation on Feb. 7 with analysts Arpita Dwivedi and Rita N. Soni, and tech expert Marisa Zalabak as we navigate the summit and bring you insights into the pivotal role of technology in achieving Davos 2024’s vision.

Where Business Meets Purpose: Launching Our Inaugural Impact Sourcing Specialist State of the Market | Blog

We are very excited to share the launch of Everest Group’s inaugural Impact Sourcing Specialist State of the Market Report. The report will compare global services companies where the primary talent strategy is impact sourcing. I had the honor of conducting a similar study in 2013 with a focus on India for NASSCOM Foundation, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. But what a difference nearly a decade can make in the growth of impact sourcing.

Learn how to participate and receive the RFI

The increased adoption of this business practice has been driven by social movements across the globe that have prompted greater attention to equity and inclusion within society, impacting the business community. The United Nations’ launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 brought major public attention and an increased focus on global partnerships. The momentum was furthered in 2019 by the US association of CEOs Business Roundtable redefining the purpose of a corporation to promote an “economy that serves all Americans” and recognizing all stakeholders as being essential.

In recent years, many grassroots social movements are calling for social justice globally. Near continuous climate change disasters and the ongoing global pandemic have made the world feel a lot smaller and further highlighted the plight of marginalized communities. Finally, as a Gen Xer, I must give credit where credit is due – members of Gen Z are actively looking for purpose and are launching and joining impact sourcing companies to address needs in their communities.

With the combination of these factors, we have seen a growing movement for mission-driven companies within the global services industry. Today, impact sourcing specialists span the globe from developing communities in South Africa to middle-income parts of the U.S. and Europe. The companies are creating livelihoods for a wider range of marginalized communities with different operating models to accommodate these groups.

“Rural” has expanded from the Himalayas to Appalachian mining towns. Persons with disabilities now include neurodiversity alongside physical disabilities. Women are at long last being included in distinctive and meaningful ways in an industry that has struggled with diversity. And the list goes on to include veterans, refugees, native populations, and the incarcerated.

Impact sourcing operating models are also more diverse. Our initial analysis of the market shows many creative sales strategies, multi-country delivery approaches, innovative training programs, and unique employment models, to name a few. We have also learned about partnerships, M&A, and investor interest beyond the usual impact investors. This is an exciting turning point for the impact sourcing movement and space to be in!

Another big change since 2013 is the list of ecosystem builders has grown and strengthened the movement. We are proud to partner with leading global associations, networks, and platforms that are advancing impact sourcing including BSR/Global Impact Sourcing Coalition, the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), Intelligent Sourcing, and many more.

Your help is needed to continue to build collective insights into this vital market. Our State of the Market study will provide impact sourcing specialists with a unique opportunity to compare themselves to peers. It also will provide buyers with valuable insight into the latest services the market has to offer, locations, and companies using impact sourcing as a talent strategy.

Connect with us to learn how to get involved with this confidential study and assessment. If you self-identify as an impact sourcing specialist, please click the participate link below to receive the Request for Information (RFI) packet. Thank you in advance for participating.

Participate and Receive the RFI

Resources:

Case for Impact Sourcing

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