ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an insight into the changing economic parameters of the twenty-first century; in particular energy', commodities' and trade'. Economic policy is in a state of flux where the old rules of thumb will soon no longer apply. There are step changes in economic priorities coming through as policy makers bring economic policy back under control and in support of higher objectives. Focussing on economic outcomes and the bottom-line is like focussing on keeping a car in good repair and driving such that it does not hit the curbs. This might be fundamental to completing the journey but the bigger strategic issue is which road you are on. The challenge for corporations is to understand the changing economic priorities, to configure the business to thrive through a period when policy objectives emerge that require deep-rooted change. Governments are likely to back off from the policies of free trade to securing supplies and ensuring the sustainability of their economies.
