Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter under a new name – the WTW Research Network. Whilst the name has changed, and better reflects the alignment of our research portfolio with the wider WTW perspectives as highlighted by our CEO Carl Hess recently, the aim of the WTW Research Network remains to provide a science-based approach to support clients as they consider their risks and growth opportunities. This involves a perfect balance between embracing the complexity of science (to understand the challenge) whilst distilling the key insights in a simple and relevant way (to support decision-making).
2022 continues to show us a need for heightened awareness and understanding around people related risks. The COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year of disruption, whilst conflict in Ukraine and an ensuing humanitarian crisis shows the interconnectedness of outcomes that impact day to day life for people across the globe. Geopolitical research in WTW Research Network continues to be a key area of research with partners like Oxford Analytics and the University of Cambridge.
Last year, the WTW Research Network set a challenge to its members to come up with ideas for short collaborative research projects that focus on specific elements of risks associated with climate change. In 2022 a new round of funding has been provided to explore themes around our relationship with technology and the ever-increasing role technology plays in industry and society; and the influence of climate change on human health and wider societal impacts. We are delighted to announce a new cohort of partners and projects have subsequently been agreed. More details will be announced over the coming months.
As always, we hope that you find the WTW Research Network newsletter a useful summary of some of the work we have underway. We look forward to providing more updates throughout 2022.
Hélène Galy
Managing Director
WTW Research Network
01
A stormy February cost lives and left the insurance industry and governments across Europe with a large repair bill. How bad were these storms and how do they compare to some past events?
02
Five key leadership lessons from the business community during the early days of the Ukraine crisis.
03
Just as experts now expect the coronavirus to become endemic, other risks have likewise become ever-present. Future-focused leaders are focused on four sets of long-duration high-impact risks.
04
Earlier this year the WTW Research Network team joined forces with WTW’s cyber and geopolitical risk experts to explore the emerging, converging and evolving world of geopolitical risk and cyber.
05
After the recent eruption of the submarine Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, James Dalziel outlines the hazards and impact this will have on communities, and the wider reaching consequences
06
More research is needed to guide how woodland areas can supplement hard infrastructure flood defenses.
07
This article explores three key emerging trends for the L&H industry and offers guidance for businesses to consider.
08
Correct estimation of financial exposure is crucial for the determination of insurance coverage. It’s important to understand how organizations can foster resilience, yet still, be efficient.
COP26 briefing: a planet in the balance
COP26 was widely billed as perhaps society’s biggest opportunity so far to slow climate change. Did it succeed and how should industry respond? Through the WTW COP26 special feature campaign site, our climate and resilience experts and thought leaders explore how the high-level commitments made in November affect countries, communities and the businesses and industries that support them.
‘Triplet’ earthquakes strike near Tohoku, Japan, but a rupture gap remains
NCAR Explorer Series: A New Era of Extreme Weather Impacts
