The beginning of 2025 has brought a new wave of geopolitical challenges, trade conflicts, and a redefinition of political relations, affecting every aspect of business. Industries worldwide, from food production to energy, are feeling the consequences of increasingly rapid changes, prompting them to seek ways to adapt to an uncertain business environment.
Croatia, as part of the European market, is also affected by these changes. Unstable supply chains, rising raw material costs, and adapting to new market regulations have become everyday challenges. However, in a world of continuous instability, the key to survival and growth lies in the ability of leaders to anticipate and embrace future changes, developing a mindset ready for the future.
One of the experts deeply engaged in this topic is Dr. Howard Yu, the LEGO® Professor of Management and Innovation at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland. At the upcoming Future Tense powered by Lürssen conference on May 8, Dr. Yu will explain how leaders can actively shape the future of their organizations through sustainable, long-term strategies that embrace change and innovation.
“The greatest danger in uncertainty is that it causes leaders to waver in their commitment. Fundamental, long-term development trends are ignored, and the company reverts to its previous inertia. The allure of short-term thinking is too tempting,” warns Dr. Yu, a recipient of the Thinkers50 Strategy Award in 2023.
Through continuous research of the business environment, Dr. Yu concludes that successful companies are distinguished not only by developing a future-ready mindset but also by building long-term strategic resilience. Their success is based on the ability to anticipate and adapt to market changes, create sustainable business models, and balance current challenges with key global trends shaping the future.
Alongside Dr. Yu, the Future Tense powered by Lürssen conference will feature Peter Hinssen discussing the future of technology, Tamira Snell on sustainability, Dr. Sami Kazi on smart cities, and Carl Honoré on the slow movement – a concept that enhances quality of life and productivity in a fast-changing world.
In addition to the Lürssen Design Center Kvarner, this year’s conference partners include Iverpan, JGL, Končar, Philip Morris International, Raiffeisen Bank, Planetopija, and Esplanade. The conference is held under the patronage of the Embassies of the Kingdom of Denmark and Switzerland in Croatia, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the Association of Cities, and the City of Zagreb.
Now in its fifth edition, Future Tense powered by Lürssen brings together experts, futurists, industry leaders, the business and academic communities, and public administration representatives to encourage strategic thinking about the future.
More information is available on the Future Tense conference website
