2024 Trends And Insights So Far

2024 is already well underway. I’ve spent the first few months exploring the trends and insights FedEx sees as most important for small businesses and start-ups in Asia and beyond. If you missed updates on how your business can connect to opportunity and growth, weather economic disruption or tap new trade partners, check out my recap below.

If you’re curious about any of the topics and want to know more, just drop a question in the comments section.

1.?2024 tech trends – and why they matter

One of the challenges I hear most from small business owners is that the accelerated pace of tech is making it hard to keep up. I break down 5 key areas here that can help businesses scale up and improve their tech stack – and remind SMEs that all businesses are different. The right tech strategy or tool adoption for 2024 depends entirely on your business and its needs.

Keep an open mind and prioritize talent with tech-first skillsets, and progress in tech and innovation will follow. I also shared a deeper dive into GenAI, which you can take a look at here .

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2.?Key logistics trends to watch – and how they’re driving a smarter supply chain

With millions of packages crossing our global network every day, FedEx is uniquely placed to spot the latest supply chain trends as they emerge. I took a pulse check of the logistics industry at the start of the year, identifying 5 trends certain to gather momentum as we move through what is already a dynamic and fast-paced 2024.

From the growing economic significance of the Asia-Europe trade lane to the influence of start-ups on how logistics is evolving, you can get the full lowdown here .

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3. Gen Alpha is coming – here’s how your business should plan for them

Gen Alpha, the children of millennials, are mostly still in nursery, taking their first steps, or yet to be born. But already, this demographic is being dubbed a ‘landmark generation’, with unprecedented size and influence on the future of the planet and society. Nowhere will this be felt more deeply than in Asia, where our young, digital-first population means we often lead the pack when it comes to consumer shifts driven by generational change.

Discover why it’s essential to prepare now for Gen Alpha as a consumer and in the workforce.

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4. Greater gender equity is a driver of innovation – especially in male-dominated industries

From manufacturing and automotive to IT and engineering, many industries have traditionally fielded a majority male workforce. This cuts two ways, with an unconscious bias not only opening less doors for women - but discouraging them from walking through them.

In a recent International Women’s Day article, I explored how women in leadership across logistics are helping to drive the industry forward in unexpected ways. Check it out here .

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Our Business Insights website gathers the region’s industry thought leaders, subject matter experts and FedEx specialists to share tips and takeaways small businesses can use.

If you haven’t come across it yet, I recommend subscribing to fresh content or simply keeping an eye on our LinkedIn page to see the latest articles as they drop. Happy reading!