Regional Insights

AI is rapidly transforming procurement—but most organizations are still just scratching the surface. In this episode, Max Gustafson shares a practical, insider’s perspective on where AI is delivering real value today, from spend analytics to automation, and where the biggest opportunities lie next, including agentic solutions and autonomous decision-making. He also breaks down the common pitfalls...

AI data centers are redefining the limits of energy demand—and exposing new vulnerabilities in how power is generated, managed, and stabilized. As AI training workloads create highly variable, high-intensity power profiles, traditional infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. In this episode, Spencer Gore explores why these “AI factories” behave fundamentally differently from conventional data c...

In this episode of Transformation is Strategy, Neury Freitas, Head of the Aftermarket practice in North America, breaks down the dramatic forces reshaping the automotive aftermarket, from autonomous mobility to the mixed reality of EV adoption in 2026. He explains why CES surprised the industry this year, how large autonomous fleets like Waymo are fundamentally shifting aftermarket power dynamics,...

CES 2026 may have dazzled less on the show floor, but behind the scenes, it delivered something far more important: clarity. In this episode, Roland Berger’s Stephan Keese and Philipp Leutiger unpack the real story of this year’s CES — a dramatic shift from flashy, futuristic prototypes to grounded conversations on AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and the volatile global business landscape. They...

How can companies turn supply chain uncertainty into a competitive advantage? In this episode, Shantanu Verma helps explore the intersection of sustainability, procurement, and technology with insights on AI-driven solutions, financial discipline, and strategies for resilience. From unlocking millions in lost savings to designing products for supply stability, discover how organizations are adapti...

The global automotive industry is entering one of its most complex eras. In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Brandon Boyle, Senior Partner and North American Automotive Practice Lead at Roland Berger, unpacks the forces reshaping the sector. From the rise of three distinct ecosystems—China, Europe, and the U.S.—to the breakdown of traditional economies of scale, Brandon explains why OEM...

In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Jan Schulte, Managing Director at Polarix of Roland Berger, explores how companies can strengthen their supply chains amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and rising sustainability expectations. From reshoring challenges and automation trends to the trade-offs of using sustainable materials, Jan shares insights on how businesses can future-proof thei...

Electricity demand in the U.S. is shifting from decades of stagnation to unprecedented growth, driven by data centers, electrification, and re-industrialization. Senior Partner Pedro Caruso discusses how utilities and policymakers can balance capacity, infrastructure, and supply chain challenges in this rapidly evolving market. Don’t miss this conversation. Listen now and discover what’s powering...

Can sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) really take flight as the key to decarbonizing the skies? Roland Berger experts Diego Ibarra and Thor Kristjansson dig into the opportunities and challenges shaping this fast-evolving market, from soaring costs and fragmented global policies to game-changing long-term contracts and first-mover advantages. They also share how airlines and investors can turn SAF i...

As AI data centers surge across the U.S., the pressure on the power grid is reaching a breaking point. In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Partner Ben Lowe talks about the supply chain disruptions, turbine shortages, interconnection delays, and shifting policies reshaping how and where we generate power. Whether you're a utility exec, manufacturer, or data center developer, this convers...

In this episode, Roland Berger Senior Partner Chris Millican unpacks the seismic shifts reshaping the utilities sector—from the newly passed OBBVA bill to AI-driven energy demand and the mounting pressure of supply chain and affordability constraints. Chris dives deep into what these changes mean for renewables, storage, and nuclear—and why integrated resource plans (IRPs) across the country are d...

This episode, we dive into the complexities of U.S. energy policy, particularly around the impact of tariffs and the challenges of reshoring manufacturing. Zach Kaplan, Partner in the Energy practice, explores the long-term economic effects of these tariffs, questioning whether the U.S. has the workforce, infrastructure, and capital to meet the ambitious goals set by policymakers. This conversatio...

As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, digital tools are proving to be a game-changer. Philipp Leutiger, Head Partner of the Roland Berger Digital practice in the Americas, explores how companies can align financial and sustainability goals, leverage AI to reduce waste, and break down operational silos to drive efficiency. From addressing supply chain inefficiencies to re...

With many executives keen to learn more about how leveraging a 'green premium' can help shape strategy and drive overall performance, increased attention is being paid to how organizations power their operations. Dr. Diego Ibarra from Roland Berger Americas takes a close look at the hydrogen economy and outlines how evolving market conditions and policy initiatives are having an impact on this pro...