Geopolitical competition emerges as one of the main risk vectors. Concerns focus on large-scale cyberattacks.
Large-scale cyberattacks, financial crisis and disruption of supply chains. In this order, these are the three main concerns of Portuguese companies.
The conclusions appear in the Geopolitical Risk Barometer for Companies, from the Porto Business School Geopolitical Risk Observatory for Companies.
A geopolitical competition is the main risk vector (63% of respondents). Concerns focus on large-scale cyberattacks on critical infrastructure or companies – the hybrid threat, state-sponsored hybrid warfare. There is fear about the possibility of “cyber” risks (criminal and strictly geopolitical) crossing over.
Next appears the financial crisis (58%). A new financial crisis, reminiscent of the one that happened in 2007; still as a consequence of part of the previous point – geopolitical instability. There is fear of loss of confidence in the markets and economic shocks that affect investments, credit and growth.
Largely because of Donald Trump, the study also shows that Portuguese companies (55%) fear a disruption of supply chains.
Between others Concerns include: trade conflicts between the USA, China and the EU, nuclear or BQ (biological and chemical) explosions, radicalization and migration.
The statement sent to ZAP highlights a surprise: Denial of access to technology may be an undervalued risk when it only appears in eighth place on the list – in a context of geoeconomic competition between China and the USA.
For Portuguese companies, the main tool for mitigation of risk are solutions based on strategic partnerships (44%). This is followed by multilateral treaties (42%), internal capacity (R&D) (40%) and improved geopolitical preparedness (37%).
