New Priorities of Corporate Directors: Geopolitical and Technological Disruptions

Kirti Gupta, Senior Advisor, Center for Strategic and International Studies
David Teece, Executive Chairman, Berkeley Research Group LLC
Donald Rosenberg, Former General Counsel, Qualcomm

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.