Navigating the era of digitalization and green transition

The world around us has changed rapidly over the past year. Most of Etteplan’s customers are industrial companies whose operations are currently affected by several global megatrends, such as climate change, urbanization, digitalization and the green transition.

The most visible changes in the operating environment in 2022 were related to the geopolitical crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic, which had lasted for over two years, still continued during the year under review.

The energy crisis caused by the war and the subsequent elevation of geopolitical tensions have substantially increased global uncertainty. Inflation affects supply chains, as well as companies’ willingness to invest and demand in certain industries. Consumer-driven industries, in particular, have suffered from rising costs and reduced demand. On the other hand, investments related to electrification, the defense industry, accelerating energy efficiency and the green transition are growing.

At the same time, the shocks in the operating environment have created pressure to change in many industries. More and more of our customers want to respond better to increasingly strict regulations by developing their business and production toward greater sustainability. Many industries are also seeing a re-examination of supply chain strategies and efforts to shift the focus of production operations closer to the home market.  

Besides geopolitical turmoil, digital transformation continues to affect the operations of our customer companies. For both companies and individuals, the digital era and the Internet of Things promise to deliver solutions that open up new opportunities, produce new knowledge and make geographical boundaries irrelevant. Indeed, the need for capabilities related to new technologies and engineering are continuously growing in our operating environment as industrial operators seek solutions to address issues such as energy consumption and managing material flows.

Accelerating technological development makes it possible for industry to take advantage of automation and robotics in many stages of operations. They help companies improve product quality, make work less strenuous, enhance safety, and reduce costs. Connected devices and systems provide companies with data that they can use to make their production processes even smarter. At its best, digitality enables new solutions and business models that have significant multiplicative effects in a world characterized by urbanization and population growth.

Technology also offers solutions to challenges related to climate change and the Earth’s ecological carrying capacity. The EU taxonomy, increasing sustainability expectations among consumers, investors and financing providers, along with a growing understanding of the limited nature of resources, are significantly reshaping the operating conditions of industrial companies. To remain competitive and ensure the long-term continuity of Operating environment their business, companies in all industries must find ways to reduce their climate footprint and solve sustainability challenges both internally and in the supply chain.  

In the midst of permanent and cyclical changes, Etteplan’s strength is our ability to be flexible, come up with ideas and continuously find new avenues of growth. Our expertise and technology services will continue to be in demand as industrial companies seek new, more efficient and resource-wise solutions. The choices and decisions that Etteplan’s employees make at work are reflected in numerous industries and, ultimately, in people’s daily lives. Together with our customers, we harness the opportunities presented by the digital era and turn them into practical competitive advantages and business operations that are aligned with sustainable development.