New Priorities of Corporate Directors: Geopolitical and Technological Disruptions

David Teece, Executive Chairman, Berkeley Research Group LLC, USA

This article highlights the rising geopolitical tensions and technological competition between the United States (and allied liberal democracies) and China (and certain other authoritarian regimes). These geopolitical challenges will impact the functioning of every major industry. Management and boards of directors can expect a continuation of supply chain disruptions, export controls, sanctions, market access prohibitions, and technology regulations such as the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. In the last seventy-five years of relative stability, corporations have had respite from such challenges. This epoch is over, requiring farsighted and proactive boards to reassess supply chains, business partners, and risk management protocols. The role of policymakers also must expand beyond regulations and sanctions and encourage corporate decisions that favor long-term investment. This article explores new corporate governance priorities and governmental policy directives that can help businesses navigate a bifurcated and disrupted global order.

David J. Teece, Executive Chairman of the Berkeley Research Group. He is also a Professor at the Graduate School at the University of California, Berkeley. He has authored over 30 books and 200 scholarly papers, and he is co-editor of the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Strategic Management, and Industrial and Corporate Change, an Oxford University Press Journal. Dr. Teece has received eight honorary doctorates and has been recognized by Royal Honors and is a member of the Royal Academy. In 2020, Teece was rated #1 worldwide in management by London-based Clarivate and was given ’Clarivate Laureate” status in economics (for innovation, entrepreneurship, and competition) in 2021 he was saluted as a ’Distinguished Management Thinker’ by Thinkers50. Google Scholar indicates that he has been cited over 190,000 times. He has co-founded three companies and taken two public. Dr. Teece has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and has held teaching and research positions at Stanford University and Oxford University.

Berkeley Research Group, LLC (BRG) is a global consulting firm that helps leading organizations advance in three key areas: disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and performance improvement and advisory. Headquartered in California with offices around the world, we are an integrated group of experts, industry leaders, academics, data scientists, and professionals working across borders and disciplines. We harness our collective expertise to deliver the inspired insights and practical strategies our clients need to stay ahead of what’s next. Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms, we have in-depth experience across a wide range of industries and markets, from construction and energy to technology and healthcare. No matter what sector your business is in, we have experienced professionals who understand the challenges you face—making us better equipped to help solve them.