Business Insights

Welcome to What Tech Can Do, the podcast series from Roland Berger's Advanced Technology Center that provides insights into technological and industrial shifts and helps build the foundation for successful business strategies based on operational realities. In this first episode, Junhyuk Choi, Senior Project Manager at Alexec (a Roland Berger company), is joined by Idriss Alami, Managing Partner a...

In this episode, our partner Florian Dehne, Global Head Aviation, speaks with Martin Gauss, long-time CEO of Air Baltic and since November CEO of Gulf Air, about his fascinating journey from pilot to airline leader – and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence, digitalization, and simplicity are reshaping the aviation industry. Martin shares insig...

In this episode, Atlas Air’s Richard Broekman and Katherine Preston join our expert Nikhil Sachdeva to discuss how the air cargo industry is moving forward with decarbonization, even amid geopolitical and market disruptions. The conversation covers Atlas Air’s targets, its investments in sustainable aviation fuel, fleet modernization, and operational efficiency. As the sector faces both regulatory...

In this episode on the future of healthcare, our partner Thilo Kaltenbach speaks with Prof. Dr. med. Harald HHW Schmidt about the rise of network pharmacology and its potential to transform pharmaceutical research and development. The conversation explores how moving beyond organ-based definitions of disease could enable a step change in treating root causes rather than symptoms. What will this me...

In this episode, our partners Thilo Kaltenbach and Karsten Neumann explore the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in healthcare. It is pretty clear that AI is transforming our lives and all industries. However, how does it play out in the highly regulated healthcare market? Is it more revolution or evolution? From early diagnosis to personalized medicine, AI-powered hospitals and workforce changes,...

In this episode, biologist, TV anchor, and staYoung founder Nina Ruge joins our partner Thilo Kaltenbach to explore the increasing focus on life expectancy and health span. Both have risen significantly over the past century, and new medicines and nutritional supplements are now shaping the next phase of the market for healthy aging. As aging affects everyone, the longevity sector is creating new...

In this episode, our experts Thilo Kaltenbach and Marina Gilic discuss the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the MedTech industry. As regulations evolve and customer expectations shift, companies must meet increasing demands for sustainability, patient access, and governance compliance. Beyond meeting requirements, ESG also presents a significant business opportu...

In the first episode of our Business Insights series on Health topics, our experts Thilo Kaltenbach and Stephan Fath explore the critical issue of drug availability and the challenges facing pharmaceutical supply chains. Rising global demand, geopolitical tensions, and evolving regulations have created significant disruptions, particularly for essential medicines. Our experts discuss how pharmaceu...

In this episode, our partners Ruirui Zong-Rühe and Beate Rosenthal explore pressing topics within sustainability, its current challenges, and the critical role of industry collaboration in driving higher value. Through examples from two sectors - FMCG (B2C) and chemicals (B2B) - they illustrate a new phase of sustainability marked by three defining factors: heightened regulation, geopolitical infl...

This episode delves into the urgent need for businesses to act now in the face of rising CO2 prices and stricter regulatory requirements. Understand the financial implications and how this strategy can be leveraged for competitive advantage. It also addresses the potential burden on consumers and the strategies to implement it effectively without negatively impacting them. Learn how this key tool...

In this episode, our partners Denis Depoux and Dieter Billen shed light on the complexities of energy production and reduction mechanisms across Asia. While China’s planned economy may capture the most attention, it’s vital to recognize that Southeast Asian countries also host rapidly growing industries contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and aspiring to lead in decarbonization....

In this episode, our partners Yvonne Ruf and Nikhil Sachdeva explore the development of green products and examine the dual aspects of financing sustainability. As companies work toward becoming more sustainable and reducing their carbon footprint, some cost increases are generally accepted. However, there are end-customers with their own sustainability goals and a willingness to pay for sustainab...

In this episode, our partners Ruirui Zong-Ruehe and Christian Böhler delve into the critical role of circularity in plastics for achieving sustainability goals. They evaluate its significance and provide strategic insights to help balance economic viability with environmental responsibility. Central to the discussion is a question: what needs to change for real progress? Which technologies are ava...

In this episode, our partner Florian Dehne discusses with Luis Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Portugal, the evolving landscape of aviation, how to address the industry's complex challenges, and what it takes to ensure long-term success. They cover a broad range of topics concerning the current state of the market, beginning with an analysis of the post-COVID impact and key lessons learned from the crisis....

In this episode, our partners Markus Held and Marc Sauthoff discuss the financial aspects of transitioning to a green energy system. They focus on the significant investments required to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives like hydrogen, biofuels, and renewables. The two experts explore various financial strategies and instruments, including public-private partnerships and innovativ...

In this episode, our experts Dorival Bettencourt and Zachary Kaplan engage in a lively and in-depth conversation about the implications of localization in the US market. This follow-up to our episode 6 delves further into key trends and dynamics, exploring what they mean for various business sectors. The discussion also examines the diverse challenges posed by the vast and varied economic landscap...

In this episode, we address the question: “How can I optimize the process of getting electrons into my customer's electric vehicles as efficiently as possible?” Martin Weissbart and Adam Healy explore the future of electric vehicle charging in Europe. They discuss the different speeds and dynamics of infrastructure development across various regions of Europe, providing insights and practical sugg...

In this episode, Julia Duwe and Pieter Niehues debate the transformative role Generative Artificial Intelligence is going to play in operations throughout the next 2-3 year. Their lively discussion explains its chances and opportunities and how to get started quickly implementing Gen AI into an operational system, suggesting first relevant steps. Our experts offer deeper insights into the specific...

In this episode, Wolfgang Bernhart and Tim Hotz analyze the intricate web of Europe’s lithium-ion battery value chain. Prepare for an insightful journey – one that transcends mere technology by diving deep into the heart of a sustainable future. For more information visit our website rolandberger.com

Join Hani Tohme and Filippo Ghizzoni as they delve into the urgent need for businesses to proactively address daunting water challenges. In this interesting episode, they explore the complexities and critical significance of effective water management. Our experts share pragmatic yet sustainable solutions, reflect on governance and financing within the water ecosystem, and explore innovative appro...

In this engaging episode, Dorival Bettencourt and Zachary Kaplan discuss the expanding role of localization in economic development strategies across all sectors. They delve into the emergence of the “globalization of localization,” its impact on economies of all sizes, and its intersection with key concepts such as competitiveness, diversification, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. Thi...

Dive into the dynamic world of hydrogen in this episode with Yvonne Ruf and Uwe Weichenhain. Discover why hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element, is a key player in our pursuit of decarbonization. Learn how “green hydrogen,” powered by cheap renewables, can revolutionize industries and power our world, despite challenges like infrastructure gaps and cost competitiveness. This episode is no...

In this episode, Dr. Torsten Henzelmann and Pierre Samaties explore Europe’s industrial transformation. They unravel innovative strategies to seamlessly integrate renewable energy into the continent’s fabric while strengthening supply chains for decarbonization technologies. Their dynamic exchange sheds light on the synergy between centralized and decentralized dynamics, heralding not just a path...

In the third episode, we're joined by Roland Berger's Dr. Darren Perrin, Christian Boehler, and Hannah Zuehlke for a deep dive into the circular economy's practicalities. Discover how the circular economy serves as a cornerstone in tackling global challenges such as decarbonization, biodiversity preservation, and pollution reduction. This episode unpacks the circular economy from the ground up, fr...

In episode two, Dragos Fundulea and Pierre Samaties from the Roland Berger Dubai office examine how digitalization and sustainability together shape a greener future for businesses. Discover the dynamic interplay between these two megatrends through a series of compelling use cases, illustrating their combined potential to revolutionize industries. This episode highlights the indispensable role of...