Board agendas should continue to evolve in 2018 as the game-changing implications of technology/digital innovation, scrutiny of corporate culture and leadership, growing demands for companies to address environmental and social issues, and investor expectations for greater board engagement and diversity and long-term performance all drive a sharper focus on positioning the company for the future. 

Combined with uncertainty around trade and infrastructure policies, and geopolitical tensions at precarious levels, the year ahead will require a careful balance of near-term focus, agility and long-term thinking.

Drawing on insights from our work and interactions with directors and business leaders over the past 12 months, we’ve highlighted six items for boards to consider as they focus on their 2018 agendas, including the critical challenges at hand and the road ahead.