Pandemic, extreme climate impacts, and war in Ukraine are creating a difficult outlook for businesses across the globe.

The state of global forces are as complicated as they have been this century. The world needs new solutions to big problems, so where are the opportunities for Australian businesses to transform and evolve for the new now and thrive in the uncertainty of the coming decade? We’re speaking to some of Australia’s leading business thinkers to explore how Australian leaders can use this moment to prepare for and thrive in a time of change.

Guests:

• Tim Harcourt – Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney

• Maria Loyez – Chief Customer Officer, Australian Ethical Super

• Sally-Ann Williams – Chief Executive Officer, Cicada Innovations

• Warrick Cramer – Global Director Innovation Strategy, Kyndryl

Show notes:

It’s already clear that the 2020s is a decade that will be defined by change and uncertainty. A changing climate, a global pandemic, and geopolitical instability are all contributing to an era where nations, businesses and the ideas that drive them must become more adaptable than ever before if they are to succeed.

But, as the saying goes, in every crisis lies opportunity. Locally, Australia is set to become the 12th largest economy in 2023 with a predicted GDP of $2.5 trillion. Predictions don’t come true by themselves, so today we’ve brought together a group of leading thinkers on the economy and innovation to discuss how Australian businesses can use this moment to explore new solutions to big problems to thrive in a time of change.

We explore the need to balance caution with the hunt for new opportunities, the role of building great customer experience to stand out from competition, and why Australia needs to pursue new avenues of innovation to be ready for a future where sovereign capabilities seem more important than ever.

Plus, how to encourage an optimistic mindset amongst startups when times are looking difficult over the short term, and how technology can be an enabler for many exciting new ideas across the Australian economy.

Read more:

• Industry and science minister, Ed Husic, on how to encourage more innovation in Australia

• Research in Australian universities should be driven by curiosity not commerce

• Global forces shaping our regional economies

Links:

• Harvard Atlas of Economic Complexity

Credits:

The Tech Pulse podcast is produced by Guardian Labs Australia.

• Host: Seamus Byrne

• Guardian Labs producers: Alison Tanudisastro and Joady Weatherup

• Executive producer and Guardian Labs head of content: Justine O’Donnell

• Sound editor: Mellany Chun