Home | Stéphane Garelli

A World Authority on Competitiveness

Founder of the IMD World Competitiveness Center
Professor Emeritus of World Competitiveness at IMD, one of the world's leading business schools where he continues to teach.
Professor Emeritus at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Strategy and International Competitiveness.
Former Managing Director of the World Economic Forum and of the Annual Meetings in Davos, for 13 years.
Member, International Olympic Commission on Sustainability and Legacy
Stephane Garelli was Chairman of "Le Temps", the leading French language Swiss newspaper, Chairman of the board of FF Sandoz Financial and Banking Holding, member of the board of Banque Edouard Constant, etc.

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Introduction

Stephane Garelli - a world authority on competitiveness - has pioneered research and the theory in this field. His unique experience as an academic and a leader in several renowned private companies and public organisations brings into perspective the world's economic and business environment, its evolution and impact on nations and businesses.

The objectives of his presentations (click on the link for 2024) are:

To understand and assess how recent changes in the world competitiveness landscape (nations, economy, business, and society) shape strategy and leadership.
To increase the awareness that competitiveness is not only about the flawless implementation of a strategy but also about adapting to changing circumstances.
To go beyond well-known trends to identify their real significance, their impact, how they are connected, and how they lead to new business models.
To develop a "so what" attitudes toward change, turning problems into opportunities.

He is an exciting speaker who combines content with a clear-cut approach to complex issues supported by his trademark graphics.

His best-selling book "Top Class Competitors - How Nations, Firms and Individuals Succeed in the New World of Competitiveness" is published with Wiley. His latest book is: “Are you a Tiger, a Cat or a Dinosaur?", available on Amazon (also in French)

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Stephane Garelli in the Media (click on link)

Speech at the Nordic Business Forum 2018 (click on picture)

Click on link to have access to "ABSTRACT OF PRESENTATION 2025":

Summary of issues featured in the presentation of 2025:

“A FRACTURED WORLD ECONOMY”

The New Rules of World Competitiveness in 2025, and Beyond

We are entering a new phase in globalization. The economy remains global, but it is less open than before. Countries are implementing their own rules and operational systems. Geopolitics, trade barriers, industrial policies, and protectionism significantly influence how companies will operate in 2025 and beyond. What does this mean for nations, companies, and individuals? How can success be achieved in such a changing and competitive environment? These are some of the issues that are being continuously examined and updated.

Are we facing an economic slowdown? What will be the consequences, and which countries will fare better?

Stress points: Inflation, energy and raw material prices, supply strategies, interest rates, environmental transition, geopolitical tensions.

Inflation: Is the worst over, or will wage inflation keep driving prices up?

Consumers: After government subsidies during crises, will they save, spend, or invest?

Debt: Can governments maintain such policies with rising debt servicing costs?

Globalization: A shift towards economic decoupling and technology duplication, raising concerns over a fractured world economy.

Protectionism: Evolving from job protection to national security rhetoric, with increased tariff barriers and market access restrictions.

Industrial Policies: Governments are investing heavily in strategic sectors like semiconductors, clean energy, and health, exemplified by the I.R.A. in the U.S.

Energy and Climate Challenges: New dependencies on suppliers and materials arise, and investments in production and grid infrastructure may lead to social tensions.

Technology revolution: Artificial Intelligence, connectivity, location services, along with convergence and mobility. What is the expected impact on data protection, copyright, and security?

Technology companies: How influential will they be? Expanding into sectors like cloud services, food retailing, health, watches, and finance. What is the potential scope of their growth? Are such conglomerates sustainable in the long term?

Competitiveness strategies: Who will be the future competitors? Where will they originate? Technology reduces entry barriers. No one is completely protected from new competition.

The Black Hole Economy: Start-ups are acquired by leading technology firms. Can they still develop into large companies and contribute to national competitiveness?

The Black Hole Finance: Investors concentrate on a few companies, which may become "overcapitalized." Is this a new systemic risk?

Taxes: What will be the effect of globally harmonizing taxes? Will it affect competitiveness?

The Hybrid Company: Companies need to balance employee expectations (teleworking, diversity, transparency) and societal demands (climate change, energy transition, ethics) with profitability. How does this affect corporate culture?

Mindset: Focus on resilience, speed, innovation, new business models, evolving values, and societal responsiveness. What management skills and personal competencies are needed to thrive in this environment?

Thus, companies need to integrate these changes into their strategy and culture. A new world of competitiveness is emerging from the crisis. It creates vast opportunities for the daring. How?

Latest books: “Are you a Tiger, a Cat, or a Dinosaur?” “Top Class Competitiveness.”

Stephane Garelli, 2025