• Major Opportunities
• Major Risks

Addressing climate change

Since the Paris Agreement was reached in 2015, a shift toward decarbonization has been gathering momentum. Stricter energy-related policies and statutory regulations are expected. Also, social demand is growing for companies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

• Major Opportunities
• Major Risks

Using resources effectively

There are concerns that stricter regulations on the use of depletable resources, such as rare earths, and higher demand for water resources accompanying further urbanization could seriously impact the production activities of companies. In addition, as the recycling-based economy accelerates, society increasingly expects companies to reduce waste and promote recycling.

• Major Opportunities

Developing social infrastructure

While the economic growth of emerging countries necessitates the development of such social infrastructure as housing, roads, railroads, and public services, developed countries must deal with the aging of their social infrastructure. Moreover, there is a growing need to develop resilient infrastructure that can withstand the intensified disasters being caused by climate change.

• Major Opportunities

Achieving safe, comfortable mobility

The spread of automobiles in emerging countries is causing concern over rising traffic accident deaths. Meanwhile, addressing the mobility needs of the elderly, those living in less-populated areas, and other vulnerable groups in society is becoming increasingly important. Further, as autonomous driving becomes more widespread, expectations are increasing with respect to the establishment of safety technologies, such as sensors and cameras, and the enhancement of in-car entertainment.

• Major Opportunities

Building an info-oriented, IoT society

With the spread of information and communication technologies in emerging countries, reliable, inexpensive access to information needs to be provided. In developed countries, the early dissemination of next-generation high-speed communication technologies, such as 5G, promises to improve the quality of remote medical care and information transmission.

• Major Opportunities

Facilitating better health and longevity

Given that the number of young people losing their lives due to non-communicable diseases remains high worldwide, there is a need to reduce such deaths by providing stable supplies of pharmaceuticals for prevention and treatment. In addition, a trend toward increased division and specialization in the pharmaceutical industry, which is aimed at improving the productivity of the industry as a whole and diversifying its risks, is becoming more pronounced.

• Major Opportunities

Addressing food crises

The problems of hunger and malnutrition in the world’s poorest regions have yet to be resolved, and there are concerns that the situation will worsen due to disasters and droughts caused by the climate change of recent years. Also, to cope with a growing world population, food productivity must improve.

• Major Risks

Creating socially and environmental-conscious supply chains

As supply chains become more globalized and complex, the risk of issues arising in relation to illegal employment, such as forced labor and child labor, at suppliers and subcontractors is increasing. Further, tighter environmental regulations are leading to concern over potential regulatory violations at operating bases.

• Major Risks

Ensuring fair and equal employment and workplace safety

There is a growing need for compliance in employment and respect for workers’ rights as well as for safety measures at manufacturing sites due to the increasing number of unskilled and elderly workers.

• Major Risks

Considering relationships with local communities and the environment

Due to population growth and urbanization in various parts of the world, interest in expanding living areas and maintaining biodiversity in surrounding areas is growing. Also, in emerging countries there is an increasing focus on improving quality of life as living standards improve. Efforts to build good relationships with local residents and governments in the vicinity of operating bases are also becoming more important.