With 2019 just around the corner, major changes are expected in the global economy, technology, marketing, HR and cybersecurity, which may greatly impact the way you do business. At TEC, we provide year-round business thought leadership, economic reports, CEO Confidence Index surveys and expert speakers to support our members in remaining competitive and at the forefront of their industry.
The following articles forecast the biggest opportunities and challenges for Canadian businesses in 2019. By gaining insight into these emerging trends, you can better prepare yourself and your business for a successful year ahead.
The Most Important Charts to Watch in 2019
Maclean’s has assembled a collection of more than 70 charts to watch in 2019, as chosen by some of the top economists, analysts and business experts in the country. The worries are many, and include rising interest rates, dramatically slowing household credit, Alberta’s oil crisis, U.S.-China tensions and the state of business competitiveness in Canada. By reviewing these charts, you can make more informed decisions for the upcoming year.
In 2018, HR was marked by the legalization of recreational cannabis, sexual harassment scandals and the #MeToo movement, as well as labour standards revamps across Canada. Those issues are expected to spill over into 2019. In addition, HR will be expected to lead organizational transformations and proactively reskill workers as the future of work becomes reality. Read what’s coming up and what’s going on in HR.
AI and FinTech: What’s Next for Canada’s Hottest Sectors?
For the past several quarters, AI has been a tremendous source of funding for Canada. However, according to PwC’s latest MoneyTree report for Q3 2018, AI funding decreased from Q2 2018. FinTech (an emerging trend using technology to improve finance activities), which has been traditionally overshadowed by the hype around AI, saw a 31 percent increase from the previous quarter. As the year wraps up, where are these two sectors headed in 2019?
Security Trends Your Company Needs to Embrace in 2019
New technologies are always slightly ahead of the security designed to protect them. Whether it’s blockchain, supply chains or cyber security, the potential for devastating hacks is high. Here are the trends IT departments and professionals should be following in 2019.
The Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends to Leverage in 2019
As you get your staff and business operations ready for 2019, it’s also critically important to consider your marketing plan. Since your customers expect to easily find and enjoy the products and services they need and desire, you’ll need to invest in customization and ease of use more than ever. Read the top five trends you need to know to improve your reach and grow your business next year. Â
Technology trends affecting business in 2019
Going into 2019, technology departments and their management teams must address aging systems and resolve data and privacy issues, while creating client-facing technologies that drive enterprise value. As emerging technologies take hold, so do new realities. Read more on the technologies trends you need to focus on.
This is the second post in a four-part series by Vistage. Read more on ecological and social trends, political trends and economic trends for 2019.
