The global economy is being rewired; don't miss the opportunity

The world is in a moment of realignment, a tectonic shift fueled by pandemic shockwaves, fresh geopolitical tensions, and a fractured network of global supply chains.

As the world economy is rewired we find ourselves standing at the intersection of opportunity and purpose. And with new leadership and direction, the UK similarly stands at a crossroads.

I think this presents a moment we cannot miss.

As the Chairman and CEO of Kyndryl – the world’s largest IT infrastructure service provider – one of the biggest privileges I have is proximity to our global customers and our mission-critical services help to keep their businesses moving. We have a unique view into the processes and machinery that keep the global economy running smoothly, efficiently, and securely. We can see how our customers are looking to modernise and realise the benefits of digital transformation. And we are able to anticipate global opportunities and challenges based on what they are experiencing.

So as the world, and the UK, economy shifts, I clearly see the chance to rewire for the better — to be stronger, more inclusive, and more secure.

If businesses — including my own — are serious about being employers of choice and about future growth, we must invest in building skills. When we upskill our talented workers, we ensure access to curious, driven, ambitious people who want to leave a mark.

At Kyndryl, we’ve increased our number of workers certified to operate across the cloud ecosystem by 36% in the last six months. This is a sign of strength — for our individual workers, for our overall business, and to prospective employees. We’re also leaning on the power of automation to upskill employees, freeing them to perform higher-value, more engaging work.

At the same time, we are rewiring for more inclusive economies. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.

This includes advocating for the free flow of digital trade, which influences the economic wellbeing of workers everywhere. Commerce has historically forged cross-border connections between communities, and digital trade can be an important stabilising force as tensions around globalisation and more isolation are settled.

The UK's progress in securing data agreements with countries such as South Korea and Japan are key achievements in allowing data to move freely, and further such deals with the likes of the US and Australia. Expanding business and trade through technology adds economic value by helping entrepreneurs grow across borders, leading to more jobs, better services, and more opportunities.

Finally, enterprises must rewire to be more sustainable, to respond more nimbly and empathetically to environmental challenges. Businesses are being asked to shoulder greater responsibility as we ascertain and reduce our own footprints.

Many of us are on paths toward a net-zero future, which requires a commitment to action and collaboration on a global scale. As enterprises look to modernise and digitise their workstreams, they can leverage technology to reduce their footprints.

Together, the business community can play an outsized role in speeding up progress toward a healthier, more inclusive economy and planet. By rewiring for progress, we can demonstrate a revamped commitment to our workers, to our communities, and the quality of life of people across the planet.