In the great paradox of the 21st century, the minister of Economy and Labor stood on stage, reminding audiences that in a world where certainty is scarce and change accelerates, foresight becomes essential. The proof lies in the business economy, where a year ago supply chains were fractured and inflation is now pressing firms. This is echoed by the Risk Observatory for companies produced by the Institut Cerdà. In its second edition, the report warns against pushing the energy transition too aggressively while highlighting eight other priority risks for 2023.
The analysis for this year identifies the greatest threats to companies in 2023 as potential shortages of raw materials, concerns about energy supply and access, rising geopolitical tensions, an uptick in extreme weather events, growing inequality and social instability, and a widening mismatch between labor supply and demand. Additionally, the report notes the increasing variety and sophistication of cyber attacks and growing information confusion that challenges decision-making at every level.
On the economic front, inflation endures and the push for decarbonization accelerates. There is first the difficulty of passing higher costs to final products, which dampens household consumption. Second, the pressure this creates on supply chains tightens the squeeze for firms. Many energy policies at European and Spanish levels reflect these stresses. The managing director of the Institut Cerdà explains that policymakers underestimated how dependent the productive sector is on energy sources that are difficult to abandon yet hard to secure. He notes that in five years technological change will be pivotal, urging policies with built-in flexibility.
The underlying work draws on similar reports from across the globe and includes interviews with executives from large companies. It cites a range of stakeholders and sectors, from infrastructure operators to financial groups, and points to many other risks alongside the ten identified as most urgent. In total, the study outlines 31 elements that could threaten job stability, including the potential impact of European Next Generation funds and broader difficulties in securing financing.
During the same event, executives from major Catalan firms and public authorities discussed a variety of solutions. Public-private partnerships, intercompany collaboration, a circular economy, and greater durability were noted as effective responses. There is also emphasis on preparing for a wide range of scenarios. The minister stressed two additional priorities: a stringent industrial policy and a strong commitment to education to equip the workforce for upcoming changes.
Overall, the report acts as a compass for leadership in times of uncertainty, urging organizations to build resilience through diversified energy strategies, robust risk management, and proactive investment in people and technology. It emphasizes that thoughtful policy design, cross-sector cooperation, and adaptive planning will be critical to sustaining growth while advancing energy transition goals in a stable and inclusive manner. The dialogue at the event illustrated how public and private actors can align around shared priorities to navigate an era marked by rapid disruption and evolving global tensions.
In this landscape, the focus remains on balancing immediate economic pressures with long-term transitions. The message is clear: prudence paired with strategic flexibility can help firms weather volatility, maintain competitiveness, and contribute to broad-based social and economic resilience. The discussion underscored that resilience is not a single fix but a coherent blend of policy, industry practices, and continuous investment in innovation and human capital. These threads together form a roadmap for companies seeking to thrive despite ongoing uncertainty and the energy transition’s complexities.