Prioritising board agendas will be particularly challenging in 2020 as the game-changing implications of technological and digital innovation, growing demands to address environmental and social issues, scrutiny of corporate culture, investor expectations for greater board engagement, diversity, and long-term performance all drive a sharper focus on positioning the company for the future. Combined with concerns about the economy – mounting trade tensions, resurging debt, a looming market correction – and the coronavirus (COVID-19) attack, the year ahead will require a careful balance of near-term focus, mid-term agility, and long-term thinking.

Drawing on insights from our conversations with board directors and business leaders, we highlight the items that boards should keep in mind as they approach and execute their 2020 agendas.