Covid-19 accelerated interconnected trends for Technology Media and Telecoms (TMT) and have impacted the risk landscape in the sector says Willis Towers Watson Report

LONDON, 20 July, 2021 –Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WLTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, launched a new report, “Risks on the Horizon” for the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector which looks in-depth at the risk landscape impacting TMT organizations and highlights issues they will need to tackle to thrive in a post-pandemic future.

Key findings of the report reveal how essential technology and digital/digitalization requirements have become to the corporate central nervous system and how new and emerging technologies are rapidly altering the risk reality for companies across most industries. Many of these trends were already key issues before the pandemic and organizations who were not preparing for the risks on the horizon need to start now.

Other key findings include:

• The rapid acceleration of technological change is driving companies to continuously innovate in order to transform their business and differentiate themselves from their competitors.
• Geopolitical uncertainty, ESG/Climate Crisis and Awareness and Inclusion & Diversity realizations are impacting capital, strategic, and operating decisions like never before. Supply chain shocks are likely to be more frequent and there is a growing realization that ‘breaking barriers’ in these areas is now becoming essential, perhaps even existential, and critical to an effective risk strategy.
• New operating requirements have transformed the workplace with the consequences of remote working and digital transformation affecting companies, employees and investors.
• The past 18 months have seen a massive and accelerated investment in technologies and new ways of working; We work differently as a result and the ‘New Normal’ is likely here to stay and will continue to alter the risk reality corporates must address.
• A global talent and skills race is taking place with an increased focus on IT skills critical to future growth.

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This report is essential reading for the technology, media and telecoms sector. The future risk horizon highlights the need for organizations to re-examine operations to determine what worked and what didn’t during the height of the Covid-19 crisis.”

Sara Benolken
TMT Global Industry Practice Leader, Willis Towers Watson

Sara Benolken, TMT Global Industry Practice Leader, Willis Towers Watson, said “This report is essential reading for the technology, media and telecoms sector. The future risk horizon highlights the need for organizations to re-examine operations to determine what worked and what didn’t during the height of the Covid-19 crisis. Although the idea of resilience has been kicked around corporate offices for years, the virus has added a greater sense of urgency. We therefore expect to see new efforts by TMT companies, that are also leaders in their field, to continue to build further and genuine resilience into business strategies and operations in 2021 and beyond.”

Adam Garrard, Global Head of CRB, Willis Towers Watson added, “Clients in the technology, media and telecoms sector have been impacted by the changing business environment as a result of Covid-19. While some companies have struggled with the rapid acceleration of technological change, many have embraced innovation and successfully maintained and grown their business despite the challenges faced. We are delighted to have collaborated with the Mack Institute’s Collaborative Innovation Program (CIP) at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania to create the Willis Towers Watson Technology, Media and Telecommunications Futures Report. This is an important insight for all businesses in this sector as they deal with such a challenging risk landscape.”

For access to the full report, please visit Risks on the horizon.

About Willis Towers Watson

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential.