Geopolitics and Business Sprint

The new disruptive reality

This module introduces the concept of geopolitical disruption and its impact on business. You’ll learn about the shift from a benign geopolitical environment to one where geopolitics is a key factor in business operations and profits. The module covers the historical context of this shift, explains economic security and explores how companies are making sense of this new reality. You’ll gain insights into the interconnectedness of geopolitics and business and understand why traditional approaches to risk management may no longer suffice in this new landscape.

The weaponisation of economics

This module will help you explore how economics is being used as a geopolitical tool. You’ll understand why policymakers are pursuing competition over cooperation, even when this can impact productivity and profit. Your sprint leaders show this approach in action through three case studies: critical infrastructure, strategic technology competition and supply chains. You’ll gain an understanding of how governments are using industrial policies, export controls and other economic tools to achieve geopolitical goals and what this means for businesses.

Geopolitical shocks and their impacts on business

How can you, as a leader, identify and brace for potential disruption? Not all geopolitical tension translates to conflict, but often, businesses are unprepared for any kind of geopolitical change and fail to anticipate the risks. The module includes case studies on recent geopolitical events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and cyber threats to critical infrastructure. You’ll gain insights into how businesses can build brand equity, manage disrupted value chains and anticipate operational crunches.

New markets and upsides

In this module, you’ll explore how geopolitical shifts can create new opportunities. You’ll learn about emerging markets driven by geopolitical trends, such as reshoring and friendshoring initiatives. The module covers opportunities in defence industries, new supply chains in South and Southeast Asia and changes in global trade architecture. You’ll learn how to identify and capitalise on these opportunities while navigating the complexities of the new geopolitical landscape.

Creating a strategic toolkit

This module draws together the knowledge gained during the sprint into a practical toolkit for managing geopolitical risks and opportunities. You’ll learn how to develop a geopolitical preparedness matrix for your organisation, integrating risk assessment, strategic positioning and opportunity identification. The module emphasises the importance of fostering a geopolitically aware mindset and aligning your business strategy with the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Here, you’ll reflect on the concepts and skills you learnt throughout the sprint and consider how they might be applied to actual organisations. While it isn’t mandatory, you’ll be encouraged to base your final project on your own organisation and/or experience.