Regulatory compliance, cost optimization & operational efficiency and control & cost containment have emerged as key themes for the banking industry this year.

The transportation industry has withstood a decade of natural and economic calamities beyond its control and today is safer, stronger, leaner and greener. However, industry volatility still exists and sustainable profitability remains elusive. Transportation companies need to evolve with changing business needs and trends with constant innovation. The challenge is to handle world travel and freight movement with efficient infrastructure and effective technology.

The insurance industry is seeing tremendous challenges globally due to slow recovery from the financial crisis and growing competition. Insurers are facing increasing pressure to improve profitability, customer satisfaction, retention and adherence to regulatory challenges.

The global pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a period of tremendous change and uncertainty. The industry is facing many challenges resulting in need to change its operating model to reduce costs, and ideally the price of drugs, while improving capabilities to bring new drugs to markets. Traditional operating models are being pushed to the point of breaking because of cost pressures, emerging competition, governmental and political demands and the weight of supporting global distribution channels.

The retail and consumer products industry operates in a dynamic environment with ever changing business needs and trends that require constant innovation and transformation. This coupled with competition from newer players make the retail industry a tough business to be in. Customers are extremely aware of the best products at the best prices and therefore, being in business means one has to go beyond the basics.

The global healthcare industry is looking to transform itself, with the focus firmly on improving the quality of care delivered and controlling costs. There is an increased focus on an integrated healthcare ecosystem with collaboration between various stakeholders. Other factors shaping the industry today are changes in regulatory mandates and stringent compliance requirements and a focus on customer centricity.

The primary concern for most companies in the Energy & Utilities industry is addressing corporate sustainability concerns. Across the world, reducing consumption is a norm that needs to be met. Policy makers and regulators are increasingly focusing on reduction of cost, usage and waste. While innovation holds the key, expenditure is likely to increase in an effort to bring down consumption.