Welcome to the latest edition of Impacts, our global markets report, which this year focuses on disruption. Political, economic and social change characterise the world today, and many of the mega-trends which stem from this uncertainty have implications for real estate. However, unpredictable times also offer real opportunity. We are seeing significant demographic shifts and urbanisation as well as the rise of populism and protectionism across many territories.

In addition, everything we do in life is being enabled by technology, bringing efficiency and flexibility, but also challenging the values of different generations and how they want to live, work and play.

All of this is causing market participants to rethink their business models at an individual asset level to ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose. These changes are also about helping to underpin the continued competitiveness globally of our urban environments whether as cities or emerging mega-regions, which are starting to blur country boundaries.

Impacts brings together leading experts within Savills as well as key contributions from external industry leaders to offer insight and some order to the big questions that arise from these mega-trends. Whether considering the resilience of cities, the sustainability of food production, the role of populist politics in cross-border investment or how tech is restructuring retail and leisure, our in-depth analysis shows that for those ready to embrace change, there is an opportunity to shape real estate and our industry as a whole to meet the needs of an evolving world.

We hope that you will find Impacts both thought provoking and engaging, and I would like to thank all of those who have contributed to its excellent authorship. I believe this analysis and opinion provides a degree of certainty and optimism in these disruptive times.

Author, Mark Ridley, Group CEO